WikiCatch
Quillback

Quillback

Carpiodes cyprinus

Family
Catostomidae
Max Length
66 cm
Max Weight
2.9 kg
IUCN Status
LC
Water Type
freshwater
Fishing Spots
50

Overview

The quillback, also known as the quillback sucker or quillback carpsucker, is a type of freshwater fish of the sucker family widely distributed throughout North America. It is deeper-bodied than most suckers, leading to a fuller-bodied appearance. However, the quillback is not a carp. Quillback are catostomids, and like all catostomids, they do not have barbels around the mouth. The quillback is long-lived, with age up to 30 years found in Florida, and lifespans of 44 - 52 years in Canada, Minnesota, Colorado, and Wisconsin.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Nightcrawlers

    Thread onto a small hook, excellent all-around bait.

  • Redworms

    Smaller than nightcrawlers, good for smaller fish.

  • Mealworms

    Effective when fished on the bottom.

  • Corn

    Kernel corn on small hooks can be effective.

  • Maggots

    Use in clusters, a popular bait option.

Artificial Lures

  • Mepps Aglia #3Spinner

    Silver blade attracts quillback.

    Buy
  • Blue Fox Vibrax Foxtail SpinnerSpinner

    Great for murky water, attracts fish.

    Buy
  • Rapala Ultra Light Minnow 04Crankbait

    Mimics small baitfish.

    Buy
  • Berkley PowerBait Power NymphSoft Plastic

    Scent attracts fish, use with a jighead.

    Buy
  • Mr. Crappie ShadpoleSoft Plastic

    Small size perfect for Quillback

    Buy

Techniques

Quillback often feed near the bottom, so use a bottom-fishing rig or jig to keep your bait or lure in the strike zone, and chum the area you intend to fish with maize.

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Where to Find Quillback

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Quillback?+

Popular baits for Quillback include Nightcrawlers, Redworms, Mealworms, Corn, Maggots. Tip: Quillback often feed near the bottom, so use a bottom-fishing rig or jig to keep your bait or lure in the strike zone, and chum the area you intend to fish with maize.

Where can I catch Quillback?+

Quillback can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Québec, Canada; New York, United States; Ohio, United States. WikiCatch lists 50 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Quillback get?+

Quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus) can reach up to 66.0000026 cm in length and 2.9 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is LC.

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