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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

The Golden Redhorse is a native freshwater sucker species found throughout Missouri's streams and rivers.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Also known as Golden Sucker, Yellow Sucker

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by its golden scales along the sides, olive-colored back, white belly, and slate gray tail fins.
  • Adults typically measure 12-18 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds, though some can reach up to 26 inches and 4-5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Missouri's streams and rivers.
  • In Missouri, Golden Redhorse reach highest abundance in streams with large permanent pools and firm, well-defined rocky or gravelly riffles.
  • Unlike other redhorse species, Golden Redhorse are more tolerant of large rivers, turbidity, and intermittent flow.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with clear, gravelly or rocky bottoms in pools and low raceways of creeks and small to medium rivers.
  • Focus on streams with large permanent pools and well-defined rocky or gravelly riffles.
  • They prefer pools and low raceways with clear, gravelly or rocky bottoms in creeks and small to medium rivers with moderate gradient and sufficient current to prevent silt accumulation.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Early spring when water temperatures reach around 42°F, particularly during their pre-spawning period in February through early April. Avoid fishing during their actual spawning runs in late April and May when water temperatures reach 60-72°F.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Missouri?

Hook and line fishing with the bait fished several inches off the bottom of the stream. Gigging is also effective using a multi-headed spear at night with a mounted light on the boat. Presentations should stay near the substrate where they naturally forage.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

As bottom-feeders, they consume almost exclusively aquatic insect larvae and small mollusks, using their protrusible mouth to suck food from the stream bed.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in Missouri?

Found throughout Missouri's streams and rivers. In Missouri, Golden Redhorse reach highest abundance in streams with large permanent pools and firm, well-defined rocky or gravelly riffles. Unlike other redhorse species, Golden Redhorse are more tolerant of large rivers, turbidity, and intermittent flow.

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