Distribution
The range extends through much of central and eastern North America, from Canadian waters and the Great Lakes south toward Mexico and Guatemala. This is a freshwater drum, distinct from coastal drums that spend their lives in brackish or marine settings.
Bottom Feeding
Mollusks and other bottom animals are important foods, but the diet is broader than shellfish alone. Crayfish and small fishes are also recorded, including shad in some waters. The prey available in a particular river or lake influences what a drum encounters.
Size and Ear Stones
The reference maximum is 95 centimeters total length, with a separately published maximum weight of 24.7 kilograms. Its conspicuous ear stones are sometimes called lucky stones. These internal structures belong to the hearing and balance system and should not be confused with external armor.
Separate Freshwater and Coastal Drums
A drum common name does not establish the same habitat or species. Keep Aplodinotus grunniens attached to freshwater records.
All Lakes With Freshwater Drum
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Freshwater Drum records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
Showing 1–24 of 970 lakes · Page 1 of 41
- A. J. Jolly Lake Campbell, KY
- Aberdeen Lake Monroe, MS
- Adobe Creek Reservoir Bent, CO
- Akron City Reservoir Geauga, OH
- Albemarle Lake East Carroll, LA
- Aliceville Lake Pickens, AL
- Alkali Lake Sargent, ND
- Allatoona Lake Cherokee, GA
- Alum Creek Lake Delaware, OH
- Amber Lake Martin, MN
- Amistad Reservoir Val Verde, TX
- Amory Pool Monroe, MS
- Anacoco Lake Vernon, LA
- Anchor Lake Pearl River, MS
- Andrew Lake Kandiyohi, MN
- Angostura Reservoir Fall River, SD
- Antioch Lake Floyd, GA
- Aquilla Lake Hill, TX
- Arkabutla Lake DeSoto, MS
- Artichoke Lake Big Stone, MN
- Atlantic Quarry Pond 1 Cass, IA
- Atlantic Quarry Pond 2 Cass, IA
- Atoka Reservoir Atoka, OK
- Atwood Lake Carroll, OH