Skip to main content

Shorthead Redhorse

Shorthead Redhorse

The Shorthead Redhorse is a native sucker species found in Maryland waters, particularly documented in the Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) from 1995-2019.

This colorful fish serves as an excellent water quality indicator since they avoid turbid waters and are sensitive to pollution.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma macrolepidotum

Physical Characteristics:
  • This colorful fish displays silvery bodies with dark olive-brown backs, pale underbellies, and distinctive reddish-orange paired dorsal and anal fins with bright red forked tail fins - key identifying features.
  • They have characteristically small heads (17-19% of total body length) with downward-pointing fleshy mouths featuring a pea-shaped swelling on the upper lip, distinguishing them from other redhorse species.
  • Adults typically measure 12-18 inches and weigh 2-3 pounds, though some individuals can reach 25 inches and 6 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer clear to semi-turbid waters in rivers and streams with sand, gravel, or rocky bottoms and medium to strong currents.
  • In Maryland, they inhabit the same areas as smallmouth bass, blackside darters, hornyhead chubs, and central stonerollers.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with sand, gravel, or rocky bottoms in rivers and streams with moderate to strong current flow.
  • They feed actively in riffles and riffle margins during daylight hours.

Shorthead Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

The most effective baits are nightcrawlers and worms, though they also readily take clams, shrimp, and canned meat. Some anglers report surprising success with multi-colored sponges.

What flies work for Shorthead Redhorse in Maryland?

Small jigs, flies, and minnow patterns can be effective when presented near the bottom in current.

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

The best fishing occurs outside of spawning season (avoid March-June), with fall and early winter providing excellent opportunities when fish are actively feeding.

How do you catch Shorthead Redhorse in Maryland?

Multiple fishing methods work including spinning, bait casting, drift fishing, still fishing, and fly fishing techniques. This setup also helps avoid snags in moving water and allows for incidental catches of other species.

What do Shorthead Redhorse eat?

Shorthead Redhorse are bottom-feeding specialists with remarkably diverse diets, consuming approximately 60 different food categories including insect larvae, mayflies, water fleas, caddisflies, small mollusks, scuds, worms, and other invertebrates - eating more insects than any other sucker species.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Shorthead Redhorse.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Shorthead Redhorse water

    Pick Shorthead Redhorse and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Shorthead Redhorse

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Shorthead Redhorse are.

Open the map, filter by Shorthead Redhorse, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Maryland licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.