Golden Redhorse
The Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) is a native freshwater sucker found in New York's Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin watersheds.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum
- This fusiform-shaped fish averages 12-18 inches but can reach 26 inches and weigh up to 4-5 pounds.
- Golden Redhorse are distinguished by their olive-colored backs, white bellies, brassy golden sides, and slate gray tail fins, with a V-shaped inferior mouth equipped with 39-42 lateral line scales for detecting vibrations.
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found in New York's Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin watersheds.
- Unlike other redhorse species, Golden Redhorse are less sensitive to poor environmental conditions and inhabit varied freshwater habitats including streams, creeks, rivers with sandy or silty substrates, and occasionally lakes or reservoirs fed by streams.
Key Locations
- Primarily found in the Allegheny watershed with most historical detections there, though isolated occurrences have been documented in the East Branch Delaware River and Red Lake in the Oswegatchie watershed.
- Focus fishing efforts in the Allegheny watershed tributaries where they're most abundant.
Specific Spots
- Target areas with varied substrates in streams, rivers, and lakes, particularly sandy or silty pools and calm waters.
- Males arrive first at spawning areas and display territorial behavior in gravel-bottomed riffles and runs.
Golden Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
When is the best time to fish for Golden Redhorse in New York?
Most productive during early spring when water temperatures reach around 42°F. Spawn in spring when water temperatures reach 63-72°F (typically April-May). Avoid fishing during spawning periods to protect reproductive success.
How do you catch Golden Redhorse in New York?
Fish several inches off the bottom of streams and rivers. Since Golden Redhorse face upstream watching for drifting food, allow your bait and sinker to drift naturally rather than holding in one place. They're often caught incidentally by anglers bottom-fishing for catfish.
What do Golden Redhorse eat?
As bottom-feeders, they consume microcrustaceans, aquatic insects (particularly immature mayflies, caddisflies, and midges), small mollusks, detritus, and algae, using their protrusible mouth to suck food from the streambed.
Where do Golden Redhorse live in New York?
Found in New York's Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin watersheds. Unlike other redhorse species, Golden Redhorse are less sensitive to poor environmental conditions and inhabit varied freshwater habitats including streams, creeks, rivers with sandy or silty substrates, and occasionally lakes or reservoirs fed by...
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