Shorthead Redhorse
The Shorthead Redhorse is a widespread native sucker species found throughout Arkansas, particularly in the Arkansas River system, White River, Buffalo River, and various Ozark streams.
They're excellent indicators of good water quality and are commonly found alongside smallmouth bass, golden redhorse, and silver redhorse in rivers and streams.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma macrolepidotum
- Characterized by their bronze to golden coloration with bright orange to deep red fins, especially notable red tail fins.
- They typically measure 12-18 inches and weigh 2-3 pounds, though specimens up to 25 inches and 6 pounds are possible.
Fishing in Arkansas
Lac Supérieur
Lac des Bois
Lac Nipissing
Lake Simcoe
Big Trout Lake
Wunnummin Lake
Sturgeon Lake
Lake Temagami
Lake Diefenbaker
Minnitaki Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout Arkansas, particularly in the Arkansas River system, White River, Buffalo River, and various Ozark streams.
Key Locations
- Arkansas River system, Buffalo National River, White River, and various Ozark Mountain streams.
Specific Spots
- Target areas with moderate to strong currents over gravel, sand, or rocky bottoms - look for riffles, rocky shoals, outside bends of rivers, drop-offs, and areas around dams and falls.
Shorthead Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What flies work for Shorthead Redhorse in Arkansas?
Small nymphs, scud patterns, and midge imitations, particularly during caddis and mayfly hatches.
When is the best time to fish for Shorthead Redhorse in Arkansas?
Late spring through early fall, particularly April-May and September-October when they're most active and feeding heavily on insect larvae.
How do you catch Shorthead Redhorse in Arkansas?
Bottom fishing with slip sinker rig, keeping bait stationary. Wade downstream and cast upstream of visible fish in clear water, allowing current to swing bait toward them. The key is getting bait to the bottom and keeping it stationary.
What do Shorthead Redhorse eat?
Primarily insectivorous bottom feeders, consuming more insects than any other sucker species - their diet includes insect larvae, mayflies, caddisflies, water fleas, small mollusks, scuds, worms, and other invertebrates gleaned from gravel and rocky bottoms.
Where do Shorthead Redhorse live in Arkansas?
Found throughout Arkansas, particularly in the Arkansas River system, White River, Buffalo River, and various Ozark streams.
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