Shorthead Redhorse
The Shorthead Redhorse is a slender, coarse-scaled sucker with a distinctive bright red tail fin and a shorter head than other redhorse species. In Iowa, they're widely distributed but more abundant in streams in northern and eastern regions.
They're abundant in the Mississippi River, common in interior rivers, and uncommon to rare in natural lakes and the Missouri River drainage.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma macrolepidotum
- Adults typically reach 10-22 inches and weigh 1-4 pounds, with growth averaging 1.9 inches in the first year, 16 inches at age 5, and 20.9 inches at 11 years in the Mississippi River.
Fishing in Iowa
Lac Supérieur
Lac des Bois
Lac Nipissing
Lake Simcoe
Wunnummin Lake
Sturgeon Lake
Lake Temagami
Minnitaki Lake
Pigeon Lake
Kakagi Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Widely distributed in Iowa but more abundant in streams in northern and eastern regions.
- Abundant in the Mississippi River, common in interior rivers, and uncommon to rare in natural lakes and the Missouri River drainage.
Key Locations
- Found in major Iowa waters including the Mississippi River pools, Cedar River, Des Moines River, Iowa River, Wapsipinicon River, Shell Rock River, Big Sioux River, and various reservoirs like Coralville and Saylorville.
- Prime fishing locations in Iowa include the Mississippi River pools (16-19), major rivers like the Cedar, Des Moines, Iowa, and Wapsipinicon rivers, and tributaries such as Indian Creek and Shell Rock River.
- Master Angler catches have been recorded on the Wapsipinicon River, Des Moines River, and Shell Rock River.
Specific Spots
- They inhabit areas with gravel and sand substrates in moderate to swift current, particularly around riffles and deeper channel areas.
Shorthead Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Shorthead Redhorse in Iowa?
The most effective baits are nightcrawlers and freshwater worms, though they also respond to cut bait, minnows, bread or dough balls, clams, shrimp, and canned meat.
When is the best time to fish for Shorthead Redhorse in Iowa?
Master Angler catches have been recorded throughout the year from April through December. Avoid fishing during their April spawning period when fish should be left undisturbed.
How do you catch Shorthead Redhorse in Iowa?
Bait casting, spinning tackle, fly fishing, drift fishing, and still fishing. Since they can be subtle biters, prop your rod against something to detect bites more easily.
What do Shorthead Redhorse eat?
They're benthic feeders with a diverse diet consisting primarily of aquatic insect larvae, some plant material (mainly algae), and they consume more insects than any other sucker species.
Where do Shorthead Redhorse live in Iowa?
Widely distributed in Iowa but more abundant in streams in northern and eastern regions. Abundant in the Mississippi River, common in interior rivers, and uncommon to rare in natural lakes and the Missouri River drainage.
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