River Redhorse
River Redhorse are large native freshwater fish found throughout Louisiana's Mississippi River system and Gulf Slope waters.
These powerful bottom-feeders are excellent indicators of water quality but populations have declined significantly over the past 200 years due to habitat degradation and dam construction.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma carinatum
Can reach 10-30 inches and weigh over 10 pounds, featuring distinctive brassy orange bodies with pale olive backs, cream undersides, and bright red to orange fins. Have enlarged molariform pharyngeal teeth specialized for crushing shells.
Fishing in Louisiana
Red River
Lake Chicot
Mississippi River
Ouachita River
Kincaid Reservoir
Indian Creek Reservoir
Lake Buhlow
Cotile Lake
Lake Iatt
Calcasieu River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
Found throughout Louisiana's Mississippi River system and Gulf Slope waters. Prefer medium to large rivers with moderate to swift currents, clean gravel or cobble substrates, and clear water.Key Locations
Louisiana's Mississippi River system and Gulf Slope waters.Specific Spots
Target waters with steady streams and clean sand, rock, or gravel bottoms. Outside spawning season, they move to deeper run/pool habitats. During spawning they move to shallow riffle-run habitats with fast-flowing water and coarse substrates.River Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for River Redhorse in Louisiana?
Crayfish, worms, pieces of nightcrawler, leech, cut clam, small crayfish, or even canned spam.
What flies work for River Redhorse in Louisiana?
Size 10-12 black nymphs, smaller beaded woolly buggers, clouser minnows, yarn eggs, and patterns that resemble clams.
When is the best time to fish for River Redhorse in Louisiana?
Most productive from late spring through early fall. Spring offers excellent action as fish become more active with warming water temperatures. Avoid late May through early June spawning period. Most active during spring through early fall when water temperatures are optimal.
How do you catch River Redhorse in Louisiana?
Bottom fishing with stationary methods or bottom-bounce approaches. Slowly bounce rigs along the current. Centerpin float-fishing allowing bait to brush the bottom and follow downstream with the current. Watch fly line tip carefully for any hesitations.
What do River Redhorse eat?
Feed extensively on molluscs (about 25% of their diet). Diet also includes mussels, snails, crustaceans, aquatic insects, larvae, and crayfish. One of the few freshwater species that feed extensively on molluscs.
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