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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse are native suckers found throughout North Carolina's river systems, with populations documented in the Oconaluftee River within the Little Tennessee River basin and other major watersheds.

They're classified as a gamefish with subsistence fisheries value.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:

Adults average 12-18 inches and 1-2 pounds, with some reaching 26 inches and 4-5 pounds. They have golden scales on their sides, olive backs, white bellies, and slate gray tail fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They inhabit freshwater streams, creeks, and rivers with varied substrates, preferring mud-bottomed to rock-bottomed pools, runs, and riffles. In pools they're typically found over sand and silt, occasionally occurring in lakes or reservoirs fed by streams. Golden Redhorse are less prevalent in cooler, high-gradient streams compared to their relatives, instead occupying the broadest spectrum of warm water habitats and persisting in streams with moderate siltation.

Key Locations

Oconaluftee River within the Little Tennessee River basin and other major watersheds

Specific Spots

Target areas with sand and silt bottoms in pools, as well as runs and riffles with moderate current. Look for them in the broader, warmer water sections of North Carolina rivers rather than the coldest, highest-gradient mountain streams.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Golden Redhorse in North Carolina?

Small nymphs, larvae patterns, or bead-head flies that get down to the bottom would be effective. Presentations that mimic their natural prey.

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

Best during non-spawning periods, particularly in early spring (March) and late spring through summer after spawning concludes. Fish when water temperatures reach 42°F or higher.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in North Carolina?

Fish several inches off the stream bottom. They can also be taken by gigging at night using multi-headed spears with mounted lights.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

They're bottom-feeders with protrusible mouths adapted for sucking food from stream beds, consuming immature mayflies, caddisflies, midges, small mollusks, microcrustaceans, detritus, and algae.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in North Carolina?

They inhabit freshwater streams, creeks, and rivers with varied substrates, preferring mud-bottomed to rock-bottomed pools, runs, and riffles. In pools they're typically found over sand and silt, occasionally occurring in lakes or reservoirs fed by streams.

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