Silver Redhorse
The Silver Redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum) is Michigan's longest-lived redhorse species, with specimens reaching up to 41 years of age. These are excellent indicators of water quality as they cannot tolerate murky water.
These fish play important ecological roles, including potential biological control of invasive zebra mussels.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma anisurum
- These torpedo-shaped fish are silver on both sides with a dark gray-brown back and slate gray tail, featuring a large, moderately forked caudal fin and 14-17 soft dorsal rays.
- They typically weigh 2-5 pounds and measure 18-24 inches, though specimens can reach 10 pounds and 30 inches.
Fishing in Michigan
Lake Huron
Flat River
Muskegon River
Shiawassee River
Maple River
Grand River
Saginaw River
Halls Lake
Tittabawassee River
Tubbs Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Silver Redhorse are distributed throughout the Great Lakes basin and are found in the Mississippi, St.
- Lawrence, and Ohio River systems.
Key Locations
- In Michigan, they inhabit large rivers like the Cass River, Grand River, and Muskegon River.
- The Michigan state record is 12.89 pounds, caught from the Muskegon River.
Specific Spots
- Focus on areas with undercut banks, protruding tree roots, deep pools with sand substrates, current edges, drop-offs, rock and boulder pockets, and areas near dams and falls.
- The presence of mollusks and snails indicates prime habitat.
- In Michigan rivers like the Cass, Grand, and Muskegon systems, concentrate efforts in moderate to swift currents over clean gravel and bedrock bottoms.
Silver Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Silver Redhorse in Michigan?
Pieces of nightcrawler, leeches, small crayfish, cut bait, dough balls, or minnows.
What flies work for Silver Redhorse in Michigan?
Size 10-12 black nymphs, smaller beaded wooly buggers, clouser minnows, and yarn e.g.gs. Patterns resembling clams are also effective when drifted with current.
When is the best time to fish for Silver Redhorse in Michigan?
Peak fishing from June through October. Avoid fishing during spawning periods in spring (April-May) when water temperatures reach 53°F.
How do you catch Silver Redhorse in Michigan?
They respond well to multiple techniques including bait casting, drift fishing, fly fishing, spin casting, and still fishing. Watch fly line tips for hesitations indicating strikes.
What do Silver Redhorse eat?
As bottom feeders with inferior mouth positioning, they consume mollusks, algae, detritus, immature insects, and small invertebrates.
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