Sucker fishing is a springtime ritual for some
By Jack Payne
Fishing and Hunting News — March 30, 2004

They may have an inelegant name, they may not be the world's top game fish and it's unlikely we're going to see any pro sucker tours any time soon, but once the snow melts and the first rains come, anglers from across the Great Lakes states head to their rivers to cash in on the bounty of the spring run. 
That's because: A) Suckers are the perfect cure for cabin fever; B) They're fun to fish for; and C) Smoked or canned, they just plain taste great. 
Run timing 
	 
Suckers are all the reason you need to head to Great Lakes tribs this spring. 

Sucker fishing starts as soon as ice goes out. 
The fish begin gathering at river mouths just prior to ice leaving. Within days of ice-out, they start their slow travel upstream. 
Most streams provide ample room for shore anglers, so you don't need a boat, although it can be a bonus and lead to more fish. 
My best sucker fishing trips have been from shore, however. 
Where to look 
Suckers are only willing to fight the current when "running." Remember this when you start your search. 
Current breaks like the backsides of bridge overpasses hold fish as they travel upstream. 
Also look for sharp bends in the river with a deep hole. These deep pools really stack fish up. 
The mouths of any feeder streams are prime locations too. 
These are my favorite locations because you can catch holding fish as well as any that are running upstream. 
Creek mouths are a natural draw for two reasons. First, suckers spawn in smaller streams. 
Second, at the mouth of the small streams, you will normally find a washed-out deep hole. 
When high water levels overrun small feeder streams, they scour out a hole where it meets the main stream, thus creating a prime holding location. 
Any current break will hold fish. 
Fallen trees, log jams, undercut banks or pile of rocks all divert the current, giving suckers a place to rest. 
Bridge pillars are great locations as behind each pillar can be a holding spot for a fish or two. 
Gearing up 
Suckers like a bait on or very near the bottom. Therefore, you'll want to run a slip-sinker rig with one or two hooks. 
I like to tie on one hook just above a barrel swivel or a snap swivel. 
I add a second hook to the swivel and attach an egg sinker or a bell sinker to the line above the swivel. 
The sinker can slide up and down the line. Therefore, if the fish are picky, you can feed some line without spooking them. 
Some anglers like to use the dropper rig so that if the sinker gets hung up, they can break it off easily. 
This rig uses a three-way swivel on a dropper line with a couple of split shots or a bell sinker. Another line is attached to the hook. 
If your river's particularly snaggy, this is a good choice. Either rig allows the fish ample time to take the bait without feeling the weight. 
Redworms, leaf worms and nightcrawlers are top baits. Rarely will you need a full 'crawler, so a dozen worms can go a long way. 
Another bait to carry for those finicky fish is a wax worm. Many times when the weather turns sour, this is the only bait that will work.