CommonNativeSecure
10
Freshwater Drum
Aplodinotus grunniens · Sciaenidae
Gaspergou. The river's hidden heavyweight.
Common
12–22 in
Max
36 in
Weight
Up to 40 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When freshwater drum feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
GOOD70%feeding activity
First & last light · nightcrawlers on bottom
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
62
MORN
66
MIDD
70
AFTE
70
DUSK
59
NIGH
55
Bottom-grunter · steady all-day feed
Solar + LunarMEDIUM lunar pull
Major feeds7:48p – 9:48p5:09a – 7:09a
Minor feeds5:29a – 6:29a7:58p – 8:58p
Solunar window 8:03p – 9:33p
Full MoonNew Moon
Bottom feeder; moon tide influence.
Habitat
RiversReservoirsTailwaters
Range
Big rivers, reservoir flats, bridge scour holes.
Diet
Crawfish, mussels, minnows, insects — bottom feeder.
Best baits & lures
Nightcrawlers on bottom
Crawfish jigs
Cut bait
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Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Fish current breaks
Bottom rigs
They pull HARD — don't dismiss them
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Freshwater drum 'drum' — a true sound, made by vibrating muscles against the swim bladder. Their lucky stones (otoliths) are still given as gifts and worn as jewelry across the Mississippi watershed.
Status
Secure
Native · Sciaenidae