Top Freshwater Drum Fishing Countries

The freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), also known as sheepshead or gaspergou, is a robust, deep-bodied fish native to North and Central America, notable for its ability to thrive in a wide range of freshwater habitats, including rivers and lakes. Unlike many drum species, it is the only member of the Sciaenidae family that lives entirely in freshwater. The United States and Canada are the top countries for freshwater drum fishing, with significant populations found throughout the Mississippi River basin, the Great Lakes, and their tributaries. In the U.S., freshwater drum is primarily caught by recreational anglers, though some commercial harvest occurs, especially in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, where it is sold for food and bait. Canada also sees recreational fishing for drum, particularly in Ontario’s Great Lakes region. While not as commercially prized as other species, freshwater drum supports local economies and provides a unique angling experience in these regions.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.