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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

The Golden Redhorse is a native Ohio sucker species found in the Ohio River basin, Great Lakes drainage, and Mississippi River systems.

Unlike other redhorse species, Golden Redhorse are relatively tolerant of poor environmental conditions and can be found in varied substrates from sandy/silty calm waters to rocky streams.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are characterized by their golden-scaled sides, olive-colored backs, white bellies, and slate gray tail fins with a fusiform body shape that allows them to fight currents effectively.
  • Adults typically measure 12-18 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds, though some specimens can reach 26 inches and 4-5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Ohio River basin, Great Lakes drainage, and Mississippi River systems.
  • They inhabit streams and rivers with gravel or rocky bottoms, and occasionally in lakes connected to river systems.

Key Locations

  • Jelloway Creek in Knox County, the Chagrin River system, Milwaukee River systems, and Ohio River tributaries.
  • Various creeks and rivers with gravel or rocky bottoms.

Specific Spots

  • Target deeper stretches of rivers and streams with gravel or rocky substrates, focusing on pools, runs, and areas with current seams.
  • They're often found in pools, runs, and riffles.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Early spring when water temperatures reach around 42°F. Avoid fishing during spawning periods in spring when water temperatures reach 63-72°F (typically April-May) to protect the population.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Ohio?

Hook and line fishing with bait presented several inches off the stream bottom rather than directly on it. Night fishing can be productive, particularly using gigging techniques with multi-headed spears and mounted lights.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

They're bottom-feeders with protrusible mouths that consume small mollusks, detritus, algae, aquatic insects, microcrustaceans, larval mayflies, caddisflies, and midges.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in Ohio?

Ohio River basin, Great Lakes drainage, and Mississippi River systems. They inhabit streams and rivers with gravel or rocky bottoms, and occasionally in lakes connected to river systems.

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