Freshwater Drum — Michigan Fishing
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Freshwater Drum Native

🔬 Aplodinotus grunniens

The only member of the drum family found entirely in freshwater in North America. Makes a distinctive drumming or grunting sound using its swim bladder -- easily heard by anglers near the surface on calm evenings. Hard-fighting, especially on light tackle. Often caught incidentally by walleye and catfish anglers. Underrated table fish when prepared correctly.

2-8 lbs, 14-24 inches
Typical size
35 lbs 4 oz
Michigan record
Spring, Summer
Best season
12
Listed lakes

🛡 Conservation Status

Native Native species abundant in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Called "sheepshead" throughout Michigan. Healthy population with no conservation concerns.

🌿 Habitat & Behavior

Large rivers, Great Lakes bays, and Lake St. Clair. Prefers hard bottom -- sand, gravel, and rock. Bottom feeder targeting mollusks, crayfish, and small fish. Abundant in Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and connecting rivers.

🎣 Best Techniques

Bottom fishing with nightcrawlers, crayfish, or cut bait; also jigging crayfish imitations and blade baits near gravel points and rocky structure

🌊 Where to Catch in Michigan

Lake County Population Notes
Burt Lake
17,120 acres
 Cheboygan Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Charlevoix Lake
17,260 acres
 Charlevoix Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Cheboygan Lake
640 acres
 Cheboygan Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Hamlin Lake
5,000 acres
 Mason Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Indian Lake
8,689 acres
 Schoolcraft Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Lake Gogebic
13,380 acres
 Gogebic Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Lake St. Clair
260,000 acres
 Macomb Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Manistee Lake
930 acres
 Manistee Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Mullett Lake
16,630 acres
 Cheboygan Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Muskallonge Lake
768 acres
 Luce Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Muskegon Lake
4,150 acres
 Muskegon Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan
Muskegon Lake
4,150 acres
 Muskegon Good Called "sheepshead" in Michigan


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📋 Quick Facts

🔗 Resources

📖 DNR Sport Fishing Guide 📋 DNR Stocking Database 🐟 All Fish Species 🎣 MDNR Sport Fishing 🔬 MDNR Fish ID Guide 🎣 Log a catch