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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

The Golden Redhorse is a native Illinois sucker species with permanent statewide distribution throughout Illinois waters.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:
  • This species averages 8.5-15 inches in length and weighs 0.5-1 pound, though some can reach 26 inches and 4-5 pounds.
  • They have a distinctive golden coloration with brassy golden sides that give them their name, yellow or white bellies, and gray or green tail fins.
  • Their fusiform body shape allows them to fight against currents effectively.
  • Golden Redhorse possess a sucker-type mouth with large lips on the underside of their head, and a lateral line system of 39-42 scales for detecting water vibrations.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Illinois, they inhabit creeks, small rivers, and larger rivers with rock or gravel bottoms, living in large schools on the bottom.
  • They prefer calm, often silty or sandy waters with varied substrates.
  • They can be found in pools over sand and silt, and occasionally in lakes or larger reservoirs fed by streams.

Key Locations

  • Fox River system in Illinois, with catch data showing they're present in upper, middle, and lower river segments.

Specific Spots

  • Target creeks and small rivers with rock or gravel bottoms, as well as larger rivers.
  • Focus on areas with good bottom structure and current breaks where food collects.
  • Look for them in the Fox River's various segments, from the upper low-gradient areas to the higher-gradient mid-sections.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Early spring when water temperatures approach 42°F, continuing through the season but avoiding the April-May spawning period.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Illinois?

Fish several inches off the stream bottom, as they won't chase moving baits but will investigate stationary offerings. Since they have sub-terminal mouths that make it difficult to catch drifting food, getting bait to stop on the bottom is crucial.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

They're bottom-feeders that consume microcrustaceans, aquatic insects, detritus, algae, and small mollusks using their protrusible mouth to suck food from stream beds. They feed on benthic invertebrates.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in Illinois?

In Illinois, they inhabit creeks, small rivers, and larger rivers with rock or gravel bottoms, living in large schools on the bottom. They prefer calm, often silty or sandy waters with varied substrates. They can be found in pools over sand and silt, and occasionally in lakes or larger reservoirs fed by streams.

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