Aplodinotus grunniens
Freshwater drum (also called sheepshead) are a unique fish — the only member of the drum family that lives entirely in freshwater. They're common in Lake Winnipeg and prairie rivers, fight hard, and m...
📷 Photo: Wikimedia Commons / D. R. Muse
Freshwater drum (also called sheepshead) are a unique fish — the only member of the drum family that lives entirely in freshwater. They're common in Lake Winnipeg and prairie rivers, fight hard, and make a grunting sound when caught. Underrated as both sport fish and table fare.
Deep, round, silvery body with a high arched back. Humped back on larger specimens. Long dorsal fin stretching along most of the back. Rounded tail (unlike most fish). Lateral line extends onto the tail. Small mouth with thick, pavement-like throat teeth (used for crushing clams).
Freshwater drum prefer warm water (16–24°C) in large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They're bottom-dwelling, feeding on clams, snails, crayfish, and insect larvae. They're common in Lake Winnipeg and the Red/Saskatchewan River systems. They school loosely over muddy/sandy bottoms.
Freshwater Drum can be found across these provinces and territories:
Regulations vary by province and zone — always check the local rules before fishing. Browse detailed guides: Manitoba.
Matching your bait to the conditions is one of the biggest factors in catching Freshwater Drum. Here's what works when:
| Weather / Condition | Best Bait & Lures | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer (lake/river) | Nightcrawlers, crayfish, cut bait on the bottom | Drum are bottom feeders — fish worms or crayfish on a slip rig on the bottom. |
| ☁️ Overcast | Crayfish-imitating jigs, small crankbaits fished near bottom | Drum feed more actively in low light — crankbaits and jigs worked near the bottom catch them. |
| 🌙 Night | Nightcrawlers, cut bait on the bottom | Drum feed heavily at night — bottom fishing after dark is productive. |
| 🌊 River (current) | Nightcrawlers, crayfish fished on the bottom in deep holes | In rivers, drum hold in deep holes and current seams. Bottom fishing is key. |
| 🥶 Cold water | Cut bait, large nightcrawlers fished very slowly on the bottom | Drum are sluggish in cold water — slow, scent-heavy presentations work. |
Drum are most active in warm water. Summer (July–September): peak fishing in lakes and rivers. Spring (May–June): active as water warms. Fall (October): fishing tapers as water cools.
Get a 7-day Freshwater Drum bite forecast, offline regulations for every province, and AI-powered fishing advice — all in one app. Free for the 2026 season.