River Redhorse
River Redhorse are one of six redhorse species found in Minnesota waters, distinguished by their bright red tail and fins, blunt nose, and sickle-shaped dorsal fin.
These medium-sized fish are highly sensitive to water quality, requiring clean streams and rivers with sand, gravel, or rocky bottoms.
River Redhorse are late-maturing, long-lived fish that can reach 28 years of age and require large interconnected riverine habitat.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma carinatum
- Average 12-24 inches in length and 2-4 pounds, though they can reach up to 30 inches and 8-9 pounds.
- Distinguished by their bright red tail and fins, blunt nose, and sickle-shaped dorsal fin.
Fishing in Minnesota
Mississippi River
Sauk River
Rum River
Lake Minnetonka
Mille Lacs Lake
Crow River
Snake River
Little Rock Lake
Julia Lake
Long Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- In Minnesota, River Redhorse populations appear stable and secure in the Mississippi and St.
- Croix rivers.
- They disappeared from the Minnesota River in the 1890s due to increased turbidity and pollutants.
Key Locations
- St.
- Croix River system and its tributaries, Mississippi and St.
- Croix rivers, Kettle River (where the current state record was caught).
Specific Spots
- Focus on areas with moderate to swift current over clean gravel, boulders, and rubble substrates.
- Target deeper pools and runs during non-spawning periods, and rocky riffles during spawning migrations.
- During spawning, they move to areas with fast-flowing water and gravel or cobble substrates.
River Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for River Redhorse in Minnesota?
Small live baits work best, particularly pieces of nightcrawler, leeches, and small crayfish.
What flies work for River Redhorse in Minnesota?
Productive patterns include size 10-12 black nymphs, small beaded woolly buggers, clouser minnows, stonefly imitations, clam flies, and crawfish patterns.
How do you catch River Redhorse in Minnesota?
Wade downstream and sight-fish to visible fish when possible, casting upstream and swinging bait toward them. Watch your line tip carefully for subtle takes. River Redhorse have sub-terminal mouths requiring bait to reach the bottom, and they will investigate but not chase fast-moving presentations.
What do River Redhorse eat?
They specialize in eating freshwater clams, mussels, and snails which they 'vacuum' off the bottom using molariform throat teeth, making them one of six North American fish capable of eating invasive zebra mussels. They also feed on benthic invertebrates including insect larvae and crayfish.
Where do River Redhorse live in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, River Redhorse populations appear stable and secure in the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. They disappeared from the Minnesota River in the 1890s due to increased turbidity and pollutants.
Fish smarter with real-time insights
Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you River Redhorse.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every River Redhorse water
Pick River Redhorse and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch River Redhorse
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where River Redhorse are.
Open the map, filter by River Redhorse, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Minnesota licenses and regulations
Explore nearby waters
Explore Minnesota waters
Top fishing waters
Popular Cities
Loading popular cities...
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.