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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

The Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) is a member of the sucker family found throughout Pennsylvania's major watersheds, particularly abundant in the Allegheny River and its tributaries, as well as Lake Erie tributaries.

Unusually, they're also present in the Potomac River watershed in southcentral Pennsylvania, which is rare since this species is typically absent from most Atlantic Coast streams.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:
  • Golden Redhorses are moderate-sized fish reaching 25-30 inches and can weigh 4-5 pounds.
  • They have golden scales on their sides (giving them their name), olive-colored backs, white bellies, and distinctive red-orange fins, though their dorsal and caudal fins are gray.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Pennsylvania's major watersheds, particularly abundant in the Allegheny River and its tributaries, as well as Lake Erie tributaries.
  • Also present in the Potomac River watershed in southcentral Pennsylvania.
  • The species can be found in both flowing waters and occasionally in lakes or reservoirs connected to streams.

Key Locations

  • Focus on the Allegheny River system, Lake Erie tributaries, and surprisingly the Potomac River watershed in southcentral PA.
  • The Pennsylvania state record standing at 4 pounds 1 ounce caught from French Creek in Franklin in 1997.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep pools and runs with varied substrates, particularly areas with sand and silt bottoms.
  • Golden Redhorses prefer slow, deep runs in rivers and can tolerate varied substrates.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Best time is early spring when water temperatures reach 42°F. Avoid fishing during their spring spawning period (April-May) when water temperatures are 17-22°C.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Pennsylvania?

Present bait on bottom rigs with Aberdeen hooks that can straighten if snagged behind rocks. Gigging is another effective method using multi-headed spears at night with mounted lights on boats.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

As bottom-feeders, they consume larval insects, small mollusks, microcrustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, detritus, and algae using their protrusible mouth to vacuum food from the stream bed.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in Pennsylvania?

Found throughout Pennsylvania's major watersheds, particularly abundant in the Allegheny River and its tributaries, as well as Lake Erie tributaries. Also present in the Potomac River watershed in southcentral Pennsylvania.

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