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Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) are native freshwater fish found throughout Tennessee's river systems, particularly abundant in the Tennessee River drainage where they frequently occur alongside spotted suckers and black, silver, shorthead, and river redhorses.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Tennessee, adults typically measure 12-20 inches, with slightly larger individuals found in the Tennessee River proper.
  • The species gets its name from distinctive golden scales adorning its sides, complemented by olive-colored backs, white bellies, and slate gray tail fins.
  • Their fusiform body shape allows them to fight against currents effectively.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit diverse aquatic environments including rivers, reservoirs, and streams with varied substrates.
  • The species can be successfully caught using hook-and-line methods throughout their range in Tennessee's rivers, reservoirs, and connecting stream systems.

Key Locations

  • Productive waters include tributaries and main stems of river systems throughout the state's drainage basins, particularly the Tennessee River drainage.

Specific Spots

  • Target deeper pools, runs, and riffles in creeks and rivers with varied substrates, particularly areas with sandy or silty bottoms.
  • Preferring areas with sandy or silty bottoms in pools.

Golden Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Early spring provides the best fishing opportunities, particularly February through April before the spawning period. Avoid fishing during April-May spawning season.

How do you catch Golden Redhorse in Tennessee?

The most effective technique involves fishing several inches off the stream bottom. Golden Redhorse are commonly caught incidentally by anglers bottom fishing for catfish. Gigging is another effective method, practiced at night using multi-headed spears with mounted lights on boat bows.

What do Golden Redhorse eat?

They're bottom-feeders with protrusible mouths that suck food from streambeds, consuming small mollusks, microcrustaceans, aquatic insects (particularly mayflies, caddisflies, and midge larvae), detritus, and algae.

Where do Golden Redhorse live in Tennessee?

They inhabit diverse aquatic environments including rivers, reservoirs, and streams with varied substrates. The species can be successfully caught using hook-and-line methods throughout their range in Tennessee's rivers, reservoirs, and connecting stream systems.

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