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Black Redhorse

Black Redhorse

Black Redhorse are medium-sized sucker fish found in North Carolina's southern Appalachian Mountains. The species is considered sensitive to pollution, siltation, and habitat degradation, making them indicators of good water quality.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma duquesnei

Physical Characteristics:

Medium-sized sucker fish averaging 40 cm in length

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found in the Little Tennessee River basin and tributaries within North Carolina's southern Appalachian Mountains

Key Locations

Little Tennessee River basin and tributaries, Oconaluftee River system, North Toe River, and other Little Tennessee River tributaries in North Carolina's western mountains

Specific Spots

Moderate to fast-flowing areas with gravel and cobble bottoms, particularly well-developed riffles and adjacent pools. Fish shallow pools and areas with heterogeneous substrate mixing pebble, cobble, sand, and silt. Target areas influenced by groundwater influx, which serve as refugia and feeding zones. Look for them in streams 25-130 meters wide with depths of 0.1-1.8 meters.

Black Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Black Redhorse in North Carolina?

Late summer through early fall and again in late winter before spawning season begins in April. Avoid fishing during spawning season (April-June) when water temperatures reach 59-70°F.

How do you catch Black Redhorse in North Carolina?

Use techniques that keep presentations near the bottom. Use natural presentations. Practice catch-and-release and fish with barbless hooks to minimize stress on this ecologically important species.

What do Black Redhorse eat?

Benthic feeders that consume aquatic insects (primarily chironomid larvae at 55% and heptageniid larvae at 17%), crustaceans, algae, and detritus by foraging along stream bottoms. These comprise over 70% of their diet.

Where do Black Redhorse live in North Carolina?

Found in the Little Tennessee River basin and tributaries within North Carolina's southern Appalachian Mountains

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