Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Clupeiformes
- Family
- Catostomidae
- Genus
- Moxostoma
- Species
- carinatum
Habitat
River redhorse primarily inhabit large, clear rivers and streams with gravel or rocky bottoms and moderate to fast currents. They are found in the central and eastern United States, including the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainages. These fish avoid stagnant waters and prefer well-oxygenated environments.
Diet
River redhorse feed mainly on aquatic insects, mollusks, and small crustaceans found on the river bottom. They use their specialized mouth to suck up food from substrates, often foraging during daylight hours. Feeding activity increases in warmer months when prey is abundant.
Behavior
River redhorse are typically solitary bottom-dwellers that hide in crevices or under rocks during the day. They exhibit migratory behavior in spring for spawning and are known for their strong swimming ability, making them challenging to catch. These fish are generally inactive at night and prefer to avoid fast currents except during reproduction.
Fishing
The River redhorse, a robust bottom-dweller in the sucker family, offers a rewarding challenge for anglers seeking native species in clear, flowing rivers, supporting conservation through license fees that fund habitat restoration in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainages. Target them using bottom-fishing techniques like drift fishing or still-fishing with a slip sinker rig to mimic their natural foraging on the riverbed; cast near gravel or rocky substrates in moderate to fast currents, and use a sensitive rod to detect subtle bites. Recommended tackle includes a medium-action spinning rod paired with 6-10 pound test line, a size 4-8 hook, and split shot weights to keep bait on the bottom, while effective baits and lures are nightcrawlers, worms, or small jigs that imitate aquatic insects and mollusks. The best season is spring during spawning runs when water temperatures reach around 60°F, with prime times being early morning or late afternoon in well-oxygenated rivers across the central and eastern United States, such as the Ottawa River or Pearl River; focus on areas with gravel beds and avoid stagnant waters for the best results. These fish can reach up to 9 pounds 13 ounces and 24 inches, though they aren't typically IGFA record holders, emphasizing the importance of catch-and-release to maintain healthy populations. As a species listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, River redhorse benefit from angler-funded programs that protect waterways and enforce effective management tools like slot limits in certain states to ensure sustainable fishing and support broader aquatic conservation efforts.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.