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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse are widespread throughout Iowa, ranking as the 25th most commonly collected species and 15th most collected fish by the Iowa DNR's bioassessment program.

They're found statewide but are most abundant in small to moderate-sized streams in northeast Iowa's forested regions.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:

Golden Redhorse are easily identified by their light-yellow to bronze coloration with golden scales on their sides, slate gray tail fins, slightly concave dorsal fin with 12-13 rays, and continuous plicate lips.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They prefer pools and low raceways with clear, gravelly or rocky bottoms in creeks and small rivers with medium gradient and sufficient current to prevent silt accumulation. They're less common in the more turbid waters of the Missouri River basin.

Key Locations

Upper Iowa River (both above and below Decorah), Wapsipinicon River (particularly the Troy Mills to Oxford Junction section), Cedar River, Turkey River, Iowa River, Volga River, Shell Rock River, middle reaches of the Mississippi River, Des Moines River

Specific Spots

Target pools with sandy or silty bottoms, rocky outcroppings, and areas below riffles where they congregate during feeding

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Iowa?

Hook and line anglers fish bait on the bottom. Fish the bait several inches off the stream bottom. For fly anglers, when sight fishing, present flies 10 inches in front of feeding fish and allow the fly to settle in sand or gravel.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

Golden Redhorse are bottom-feeders that consume almost exclusively aquatic insect larvae (caddisflies, mayflies, midges) and small mollusks, using their protrusible mouth to vacuum food from stream beds.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in Iowa?

They prefer pools and low raceways with clear, gravelly or rocky bottoms in creeks and small rivers with medium gradient and sufficient current to prevent silt accumulation. They're less common in the more turbid waters of the Missouri River basin.

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