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River Redhorse

River Redhorse

The River Redhorse is one of Alabama's most impressive native suckers, highly intolerant of turbidity and siltation, requiring clear, unpolluted water.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma carinatum

Physical Characteristics:

Reaching lengths up to 28 inches and weights of 8-9 pounds. Adults display a distinctive brassy orange coloration with bright red fins, massive heads, and deeply plicate lips. Their pharyngeal teeth are enlarged and molar-like.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Inhabit medium to large rivers with moderate to swift currents over sand, gravel, and cobble substrates

Key Locations

The Cahaba River serves as Alabama's primary stronghold and offers Alabama's best River Redhorse fishery, particularly a 20-25 mile section that receives heavy local utilization. Also found in Alabama River system (including below Millers Ferry Lock and Dam), Tallapoosa River system (below Harris Dam), Tennessee River drainage, Conecuh River, and Murder Creek in Escambia County.

Specific Spots

Focus on deeper run/pool habitats (1-10 feet deep) with moderate currents and gravel bottoms, as these fish avoid shallow, fast-flowing water outside of spawning. Fish can be found in areas with abundant native mussels and snails, which indicate suitable habitat.

River Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait - earthworms are the primary bait before spawning season, while crayfish and small aquatic insects also prove effective

What flies work for River Redhorse in Alabama?

Weighted streamers in sizes 4-8, particularly conehead and beadhead patterns in black and brown

How do you catch River Redhorse in Alabama?

Sight-fishing - cast a few inches in front of feeding fish and watch for their mouth to extend as they vacuum up your offering, then set the hook immediately as they'll quickly spit out artificial flies

What do River Redhorse eat?

Sight-feeding fish that primarily consume mollusks and crustaceans, with the Asiatic clam (Corbicula) making up a significant portion of their diet in Alabama waters, along with crayfish, mayflies, beetles, and caddisflies. Their powerful molar-like teeth allow them to crush mollusk shells.

Where do River Redhorse live in Alabama?

Inhabit medium to large rivers with moderate to swift currents over sand, gravel, and cobble substrates

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