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White sucker


The White Sucker is a long, round-bodied fish with big lips and no teeth. The lips are covered with small bumps.

The back and sides are greenish with a brassy or silvery luster. Their belly is white. The lower fins are white, often tinged with yellow or orange.

White sucker Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.
Season Open Year-Round
Size Limit No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person No Limit
Delaware Range Predominately New Castle County
Abundance in Delaware Waters Common
General Habitat and Food Preferences White Suckers are found in small streams, rivers, and ponds.

They feed on small aquatic organisms and plant matter found on and in bottom sediments.
Did You Know? The White Sucker is relatively tolerant of polluted waters.

Their mouth is well adapted for sucking food off the bottom.
Common Lures and Baits White Suckers are often easiest to catch in the spring. As water temperatures rise into the 50s, the fish begin their spawning runs into shallow streams.

Because White Suckers feed on the bottom, the best technique is to still fish with a baited hook that is lying motionless on the bottom.

Bait often includes meal worms, small worms, and small fresh water clams.
Typical Sizes Caught In general, White Suckers caught by anglers range between 9 and 15 inches in length.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight White Suckers are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record White Suckers are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.



    

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