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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

The Golden Redhorse is a native freshwater sucker found throughout Alabama's river systems, particularly abundant in the Tennessee River drainage and all systems of the Mobile Basin, though numbers diminish in the southern half of the state.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:

These distinctive fish are characterized by their golden scales, olive-colored backs, slate gray tail fins, and plicate lips. Adults typically measure 12-20 inches in Alabama waters, with slightly larger specimens found in the Tennessee River proper.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found throughout Alabama's river systems, particularly abundant in the Tennessee River drainage and all systems of the Mobile Basin, though numbers diminish in the southern half of the state. Inhabit diverse aquatic environments including rivers, reservoirs, and small to large streams.

Key Locations

Alabama's Tennessee River system, fish the Elk River system, Flint River, and other tributaries of Wheeler Reservoir.

Specific Spots

Focus on clean streams, creeks, and rivers with varied substrates, particularly areas with moderate to fast current over gravel-size substrates, pools with sand and silt bottoms, and tailwaters below dams. Showing tolerance for varied substrates from sand and silt in pools to gravel and rocky bottoms.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Golden Redhorse in Alabama?

Live bait including earthworms, small crayfish, or aquatic insects. Simple worms as bait.

When is the best time to fish for Golden Redhorse in Alabama?

Best fishing occurs from late February through early April. Best avoided during April and early May spawning period to protect spawning populations.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Alabama?

The most effective technique is drift fishing, allowing bait to move naturally with the current to mimic their natural food sources. Fish several inches off the stream bottom. Hook and line with simple worms as bait remains the most reliable approach.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

They're bottom-feeders with protrusible mouths that suck up food from streambeds, feeding primarily on mayflies, caddisflies, midge larvae, small mollusks, microcrustaceans, aquatic insects, detritus, and algae.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in Alabama?

Found throughout Alabama's river systems, particularly abundant in the Tennessee River drainage and all systems of the Mobile Basin, though numbers diminish in the southern half of the state. Inhabit diverse aquatic environments including rivers, reservoirs, and small to large streams.

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