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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

The Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) is a native sucker species found throughout Kentucky's diverse freshwater systems.

These bottom-feeding fish are distinguished by their golden scales along the sides, olive-colored backs, white bellies, and slate gray tail fins.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:

Distinguished by their golden scales along the sides, olive-colored backs, white bellies, and slate gray tail fins. They typically measure 12-18 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds, though specimens can reach 26 inches and 4-5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found throughout Kentucky's diverse freshwater systems. They inhabit creeks, small to large rivers, and occasionally lakes with varied substrates

Key Locations

Medium to large rivers like the Green, Kentucky, Licking, Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers, as well as their major tributaries. Kentucky's state record Golden Redhorse weighed 4 pounds, 5 ounces and was caught from the Red River in 1998.

Specific Spots

Target pools with sandy or silty bottoms, particularly in streams and rivers throughout the state. They prefer pools over sand and silt bottoms, and areas with moderate current and clean gravel substrates outside of spawning season.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small pieces of nightcrawler, leeches, small crayfish, and cut clam work well as natural baits

What flies work for Golden Redhorse in Kentucky?

Size 10-12 black nymphs, small beaded woolly buggers, clouser minnows, and yarn egg patterns

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

Most productive during early spring when water temperatures reach around 42°F, typically March through early April before their spawning period begins. During spawning season, avoid targeting these fish as they concentrate in shallow spawning areas.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Kentucky?

Fish worms several inches off the stream bottom using split shot rigs or bottom-running rigs that slowly bounce with the current. For fly fishing, use drifting presentations and watch the fly line tip for hesitations indicating strikes.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

Golden Redhorse are bottom-feeders with protrusible mouths that vacuum food from stream beds. Their diet consists of small mollusks, microcrustaceans, aquatic insects (particularly mayflies, caddisflies, and midges), detritus, and algae.

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