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Silver Redhorse

Silver Redhorse

The Silver Redhorse is a large, silvery freshwater fish found throughout Missouri's river systems, particularly in the Mississippi and Missouri River basins.

These bottom-feeding suckers are excellent water quality indicators, as they cannot tolerate murky or polluted waters.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma anisurum

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adults typically measure 18-24 inches and weigh 2-5 pounds, though trophy specimens can reach 30 inches and 10+ pounds.
  • Silver Redhorse have a distinctive silvery body with a dark gray-brown back, slate gray tail, and a slightly convex dorsal fin with 14-17 soft rays.
  • Their inferior mouth position and deep "V" shaped lip edge make them perfectly adapted for bottom feeding.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Medium to large rivers with clean, flowing water, as well as deep pools and lakes with sand substrates.
  • Widely distributed in eastern North America from Missouri to Quebec, with stable populations in southeastern river systems including the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

Key Locations

  • Medium to large rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Areas with clean, flowing water, deep pools with sand substrates, undercut banks, protruding tree roots, rocky areas, drop-offs, outside bends of rivers, rock and boulder pockets, areas near dams and falls, merging currents, and current edges.
  • Deep pools with little current.

Silver Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Fresh nightcrawlers, cut bait, bread or dough balls, minnows, jigs that sink to the bottom.

What flies work for Silver Redhorse in Missouri?

Weighted flies that can reach the bottom, including larger nymph patterns like Golden-Ribbed Hare's Ears, Bitch Creeks, or Nuclear Rockworm patterns.

How do you catch Silver Redhorse in Missouri?

Still fishing, drift fishing, bait casting, spin casting, and fly fishing. Bottom-fishing techniques.

What do Silver Redhorse eat?

They feed primarily on mollusks, algae, detritus, immature insects (particularly midges, mayflies, and caddisflies), and small invertebrates.

Where do Silver Redhorse live in Missouri?

Medium to large rivers with clean, flowing water, as well as deep pools and lakes with sand substrates. Widely distributed in eastern North America from Missouri to Quebec, with stable populations in southeastern river systems including the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

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