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Freshwater Drum
Aplodinotus grunniens
12–20 inches
Typical Length
1–5 lbs
Typical Weight
Year-round (no closed season)
Season Opens
1%
% of MN Lakes
The freshwater drum is the only North American freshwater member of the drum family. Named for the drumming sound males produce, they're powerful fighters that are increasingly recognized as worthy sportfish.
Habitat
Drum prefer large, warm lakes and rivers with sand or gravel bottoms. They're bottom feeders that cruise flats and channels, using their specialized pharyngeal teeth to crush mussels, crayfish, and snails.
When to Fish
Best months: June, July, August
Season opens: Year-round (no closed season)
Drum are commonly caught by walleye anglers using jigs and live bait on the bottom. They fight hard and can be confused with walleye on the initial hookset.
Did You Know?
- Male drum produce a drumming sound using specialized muscles against their swim bladder — you can sometimes hear them from above the water.
- They have large, round ear stones (otoliths) that were used as currency and lucky charms by Native Americans.
- Freshwater drum have the largest natural range of any freshwater fish in North America.
Minnesota State Record
35 lbs 3 oz (Mississippi River, 2019)
Lakes with Freshwater Drum near you
43 Minnesota lakes have Freshwater Drum on record. Find the closest ones to you.
Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) is a rough species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers. DNR surveys have documented freshwater drum in 43 Minnesota lakes. The Minnesota state record is 35 lbs 3 oz (Mississippi River, 2019).