River Redhorse
The River Redhorse is one of the most endangered fish species in Oklahoma, listed as endangered in the state and found in extremely limited populations.
This large sucker species is long-lived and can reach 28 years of age, requiring large interconnected riverine habitats to complete all life stages.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma carinatum
- Can reach impressive sizes of 30 inches and weights over 10 pounds, with most individuals averaging 10-20 inches.
- River Redhorse have distinctive deeply plicate lips without papillae, red-tinted tail and dorsal fins, and enlarged molar-like pharyngeal teeth that distinguish them from other redhorse species.
Fishing in Oklahoma
North Canadian River
Lake Thunderbird
Canadian River
Lake Hefner
Deep Fork
Washita River
Shawnee Reservoir
Stanley Draper Lake
Polecat Creek
Tecumseh Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Historically ranged across northern Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, but populations have severely declined due to habitat degradation.
- In Oklahoma, they prefer medium to large rivers with moderate to strong currents and gravel or cobble substrates.
Key Locations
- Red River basin where they were historically documented.
Specific Spots
- Particularly around deeper riffles in medium to large river systems, depths of 1-10 feet.
River Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
When is the best time to fish for River Redhorse in Oklahoma?
Late spring when they move into shallower waters. They are comparatively late spawners among suckers, spawning in early April when water temperatures reach 22-24°C in southern regions, making this a critical time to avoid targeting them.
How do you catch River Redhorse in Oklahoma?
Traditional bottom-fishing methods that keep baits near the bottom, as they are sight-feeders concentrating on bottom-dwelling organisms.
What do River Redhorse eat?
Sight-feeders that specialize in bottom-dwelling organisms, with mollusks and crustaceans comprising their primary diet - they consume more mollusks than any other sucker species, making up about 25% of their diet. They also eat crayfish, mayflies, beetles, caddisflies, and insect larvae.
Where do River Redhorse live in Oklahoma?
Historically ranged across northern Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, but populations have severely declined due to habitat degradation. In Oklahoma, they prefer medium to large rivers with moderate to strong currents and gravel or cobble substrates.
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