River Redhorse
River Redhorse are one of the largest redhorse species in North America, classified as critically imperiled (S1) in New York and listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma carinatum
- Sexually mature adults averaging 22 inches and reaching a maximum of 32 inches.
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
- They inhabit larger clear streams and rivers, preferring swift currents with substrates of cobble, boulder, and bedrock.
- River Redhorse are intolerant of excess turbidity and siltation.
Key Locations
- Primarily found in the Allegheny watershed, with isolated recent detections in the East Branch of the Delaware River (2019) and Red Lake in the Oswegatchie watershed (2021).
- In New York, concentrate efforts in the Allegheny watershed tributaries, and consider exploring the East Branch of the Delaware River where recent detections occurred.
Specific Spots
- Target medium to large rivers with moderate to swift currents and clean gravel bottoms, focusing on riffle areas and deeper runs 1-10 feet deep.
River Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for River Redhorse in New York?
Live bait including pieces of nightcrawler, small crayfish, and naturally found clam pieces.
What flies work for River Redhorse in New York?
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 New York?
Late spring when water temperatures reach 45-50°F. Target pre-spawn movements in May when they're staging in deeper areas. Avoid fishing during actual spawning periods (June when water hits 72-75°F).
How do you catch River Redhorse in New York?
Bottom-fishing techniques. Sight fishing with a stealth approach. Watch your fly line tip carefully for hesitations indicating strikes.
What do River Redhorse eat?
They're sight-feeders that specialize in mollusks and crustaceans - their diet contains the highest percentage of clams and mollusks of any sucker species, with their enlarged molar-like pharyngeal teeth efficiently crushing mollusk shells.
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