Impressive depiction of the Mottled Sculpin by renowned watercolorist, fly fisher, and environmentalist Thom Glace.
Sculpins are everywhere
By Henry Clement
Saltwater sculpins
They are found throughout the world, in both freshwater and saltwater. There are over 750 species of sculpin and around 300 species in the family Cottidae alone, which is the group of sculpins that Anne Beaudreau knows best. In Alaska, sculpins dominate fish communities in the nearshore. Approximately 40% of the fish caught by beach seining near river deltas are none other than the Pacific staghorn sculpin. Many sculpins inhabit harsh, dynamic environments, such as the intertidal zone. Tidepool sculpins, tiny creatures no longer than your finger, have a strong urge to stay close to home. Some have been observed in a single tidepool for more than a year. If they are moved from their home pool, these wee sculpins can find their way back, even after being on an extended vacation (i.e., moved to an “unnatural environment” by scientists for 6 months). As for staghorn sculpins, there is so much we still don’t know about where they live, how far they move, or how many of them are out there, chowing down on a smorgasbord of salty snacks. Staghorns live in the sea, but can withstand freshwater and can even breathe air to some extent. Given the challenging environment they navigate every day, perhaps sculpins just might be the most equipped of all to deal with our rapidly changing oceans. NOTE: Edited version from Anne Beaudreau.
Big Bullhead Pacific staghorn sculpin. Photo by Doug Duncan. These are delicious to eat.
Freshwater sculpins
Freshwater sculpins are part of the Cottidae family, which includes many saltwater species, mainly in the Pacific Ocean. Estimates of freshwater sculpin species in North America range from 21 to 68, but the exact number is uncertain due to subtle differences among species and their small geographic ranges. Many more species likely exist than current estimates suggest. Generally, freshwater sculpins are small, rarely exceeding 7 inches in length. They thrive in various habitats, such as rocky headwater streams, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Their flattened bodies and broad pectoral fins help them stay anchored in fast currents. Sculpins are skilled at camouflage, often blending in with their environment. As ambush predators, they feed on microcrustaceans, aquatic insects, and small fish, including other sculpins and crayfish. Although anglers have accused sculpins of preying on trout eggs, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Sculpin spawning behaviors remain somewhat mysterious, influenced by species and habitat. Fish in warmer areas typically spawn earlier in spring and later in fall. This may explain why anglers often find success with sculpin patterns during early and late seasons, as well as in deep holes during winter. NOTE2: Edited version from ORVIS’ Phil Monahan
Banded Sculpin by Thom Glace.
Slimy Sculpin by Thome Glace
Fishing the sculpin pattern, Don Gapen’s Muddler Minnow
Many anglers fish sculpins like they would any other streamer pattern, but there are unique ways to target them. Since sculpins are bottom-dwellers, their behavior differs from that of other baitfish. Try casting the fly at a quarter angle upstream, allowing it to sink deep, and then use short, sharp strips to make the fly dart and pause along the streambed. Dead-drifting the fly broadside to the current can also be effective, especially during high water conditions. When targeting the shallow tailouts of pools, cast quartering downstream and then make a series of upstream mends to make the fly dart and swing slowly across the tailout. Sculpins are quick and elusive swimmers, so trout usually strike aggressively to catch them. Be prepared for a hard hit! NOTE 2a: Edited version from ORVIS’ Phil Monahan
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