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River Redhorse

River Redhorse

River Redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum) is one of Missouri's largest redhorse species. Missouri maintains apparently secure populations within the central Mississippi basin, making it one of the few states where this species remains stable.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma carinatum

Physical Characteristics:
  • Reaching lengths up to 30 inches and weights over 10 pounds, though most average 10-20 inches.
  • Has a stout, slightly compressed body with a large head and mouth, deeply plicate lips, and distinctive red-tinted dorsal and caudal fins with crescent-shaped dark spots on the scales.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit medium to large rivers with moderate to strong currents within the central Mississippi basin.
  • Found in Southeast Missouri and Ozark region waters.

Key Locations

  • Rivers like the Castor River in Southeast Missouri and other Ozark region waters.
  • Missouri's Ozark rivers and streams like the Castor River system offer prime habitat.

Specific Spots

  • Prefer long, deep run habitats 1-10 feet deep with gravel or cobble substrates.
  • Target clear-water sections of medium to large rivers with gravel or cobble bottoms and moderate to strong currents, focusing on deeper run habitats between riffles.

River Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for River Redhorse in Missouri?

Pieces of nightcrawler, leeches, small crayfish, and naturally found cut clam - their specialized diet makes mollusk-based baits particularly effective. During spawning migrations, anglers report success with larger lures including musky bucktails and other aggressive presentations.

What flies work for River Redhorse in Missouri?

Size 10-12 black nymphs, smaller beaded woolly buggers, clouser minnows, yarn e.g.gs, and patterns tied to resemble clams.

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

Most productive outside their spawning season (late April-early June), with excellent opportunities from fall through winter and again in late summer. Spawning period should be avoided by anglers to protect breeding populations.

How do you catch River Redhorse in Missouri?

Sight-fishing with stealth presentation, split shot rigs or bottom-running setups for conventional tackle. For fly fishing, drift patterns naturally in the current and watch the fly line tip carefully for subtle takes.

What do River Redhorse eat?

Specialized feeders with enlarged molar-like pharyngeal teeth that efficiently crush mollusk shells - their diet consists primarily of mollusks, clams, crayfish, insect larvae (mayflies, beetles, caddisflies), and other benthic invertebrates.

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