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Shorthead Redhorse

Shorthead Redhorse

The Shorthead Redhorse is a native sucker species found statewide throughout Nebraska's waters. This slender fish serves as excellent water quality indicators, avoiding turbid or murky waters.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma macrolepidotum

Physical Characteristics:
  • This slender fish has a short, triangular-shaped dorsal fin with dark-edged scales giving the appearance of lines, and a lower lip with grooves and a nearly straight rear margin.
  • All fins display a distinctive definite red color, particularly the bright red tail fin which serves as a key identifying feature.
  • Adults typically reach 9-18 inches in length and weigh 1-3 pounds, though some individuals can reach up to 2 feet and 5 pounds.
  • Their unique pea-shaped lip swelling helps them suck food from rocks and gravel substrates.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide throughout Nebraska's waters.
  • They prefer clear to semi-turbid waters with sand, gravel, or rock bottoms and medium to strong currents in rivers, streams, and lakes.

Key Locations

  • Since they're found statewide in Nebraska, productive waters include the Missouri River system, Platte River drainages, and tributary streams with suitable gravel and sand substrates.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with moderate to strong currents over gravel, sand, or rocky bottoms in rivers and streams.
  • Focus on riffles and riffle margins where they actively feed on aquatic insects.

Shorthead Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For bait fishing, nightcrawlers and worms are most effective, though they'll also take clams, shrimp, and canned meat. Some anglers report success with multi-colored sponges.

What flies work for Shorthead Redhorse in Nebraska?

Fly anglers can use small nymph patterns, jigs, minnow imitations, and dough ball patterns presented near the bottom.

How do you catch Shorthead Redhorse in Nebraska?

Nebraska anglers can catch Shorthead Redhorse using various methods including spinning tackle, bait casting, and fly fishing. When rod fishing, prop the rod against something to easily detect subtle bites, as Shorthead Redhorse can be sneaky when taking bait.

What do Shorthead Redhorse eat?

As bottom-feeders, they primarily consume immature aquatic insects including mayfly larvae, caddisfly larvae, water fleas, small mollusks, scuds, and worms. This species eats the most insects among all sucker family members and has no direct food competitors due to their diverse diet.

Where do Shorthead Redhorse live in Nebraska?

Found statewide throughout Nebraska's waters. They prefer clear to semi-turbid waters with sand, gravel, or rock bottoms and medium to strong currents in rivers, streams, and lakes.

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