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Shorthead Redhorse

Shorthead Redhorse

The Shorthead Redhorse is a bottom-feeding sucker found in Louisiana waters, particularly the Mississippi River system. These fish are excellent water quality indicators, avoiding turbid or murky waters that can cause blindness.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma macrolepidotum

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their silvery bodies with dark olive-brown backs, pale underbellies, and distinctive reddish-orange dorsal and anal fins with bright red forked tails.
  • They have a characteristic pea-shaped swelling on their upper lip that helps them vacuum food from rocks and gravel.
  • In Louisiana, they typically measure 9-18 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, though they can reach up to 2 feet and 5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Louisiana waters, particularly the Mississippi River system.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi River through Louisiana and its tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with moderate to swift currents over sand, gravel, or rock bottoms, particularly riffles and riffle margins in rivers and streams.
  • Focus on areas with clean substrates free of silt.

Shorthead Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Shorthead Redhorse in Louisiana?

Nightcrawlers and worms are the most effective baits, though they'll also take clams, shrimp, and canned meat. Multi-colored sponges have shown surprising success. Can also be caught using bread or dough balls, cut bait, jigs, and minnows as alternatives to worms.

When is the best time to fish for Shorthead Redhorse in Louisiana?

Best fishing occurs outside their spawning period (March-June), with prime times being late summer through early winter. During spawning season, avoid targeting these fish as they gather in large numbers to reproduce.

How do you catch Shorthead Redhorse in Louisiana?

Dr.ift fishing and still fishing methods work well. A slipfloat rig works well for fishing the strong currents they prefer - use a cigar slipfloat with a 1/8-ounce ballhead jig. This floating presentation prevents snags in moving water.

What do Shorthead Redhorse eat?

They feed primarily on insect larvae, mayflies, water fleas, caddisflies, small mollusks, scuds, worms, and other invertebrates, eating more insects than any other sucker species.

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