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Freshwater Drum

Aplodinotus grunniens

Species Overview

Physical Characteristics

Body Shape: Deep-bodied and laterally compressed with a pronounced humpback.

Head: Small head relative to body size with a downturned, forward-facing mouth

Fins: Two-part dorsal fin (first section with 10 spines, second with approximately 30 rays); elongated, pointed pectoral fins; rounded or pointed tail (caudal) fin

Lateral Line: Extends into the caudal fin (unique identifying feature)

Scales: Large, rough scales

Special Feature: Eyes contain tapetum lucidum (reflective layer) that glows when light hits them

Fishing Information

Size Range

15-20 inches

Peak Season

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (Ice Fishing)

Best Baits

Jigs, Night crawlers, Live baits

Fishing Guide

Best Fishing Times:

Dawn, Morning, Midday, Afternoon, Dusk, Night
Peak Fishing Seasons:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (Ice Fishing)
Recommended Lures:

Jigs, Night crawlers, Live baits
Abundance in Chain:

Rare
Fighting Quality:

Good Fighter

Habitat & Behavior

Water Type: Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout the Fox Chain O’Lakes

Depth: Variable – deeper water typically, but moves shallow (under 33 ft) in summer

Bottom Type: Rocky or sandy bottoms preferred

Cover: Areas with submerged structure; avoids thick plant cover

Water Clarity: Highly adaptable – clear to turbid water

Spawning Season & Behavior

Reproduction:

Spawning occurs in late spring/early summer when water reaches approximately 65°F
Spawning takes place in open water during a six to seven-week period from June through July
Females release 34,000 to 66,500 eggs that float in the water column and hatch in 2-4 days
Males reach sexual maturity at four years; females at five to six years

Conservation Status

Status: Secure – populations are stable to increasing Concerns: None currently Benefits: Actually beneficial as they consume invasive zebra mussels

Fishing Techniques

Bottom Fishing:Most effective method using

Casting: Cast lures along current breaks and structure

Trolling: Can be caught while trolling for walleye using crankbaits

Current Regulations

Daily Limit:

No Limit
Minimum Length:

No Limit
Special Rules:
- None applicable to Freshwater Drum
- Standard Illinois fishing license required

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