Silver Redhorse
Silver Redhorse are native Wisconsin suckers distributed throughout the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, and Mississippi River basins.
The species is gaining recognition among anglers as a challenging and rewarding target, fighting powerfully due to their torpedo shape and adaptation to swift currents.
Scientific Name: Moxostoma anisurum
- These distinctive fish have silver sides, dark gray-brown backs, and slate gray tails with bright red fins that may appear more vivid when netted due to easy bleeding.
- They average 18-24 inches and 2-5 pounds but can reach up to 30 inches and 10 pounds.
- Silver Redhorse are bottom feeders with inferior mouth positions.
Fishing in Wisconsin
Wisconsin River
Big Eau Pleine Reservoir
Lake Poygan
Castle Rock Lake
Spencer Lake
Little Wolf River
Wolf River
Fox River
McDill Pond
Wisconsin River Flowage
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Distributed throughout the Great Lakes, St.
- Lawrence, and Mississippi River basins.
- They prefer clear rivers and medium to large streams with gravelly riffles, permanent pools, undercut banks, and protruding tree roots, as well as deep lakes with sand substrates.
Key Locations
- Wisconsin River system, particularly areas between dams with clean gravel.
- Found in the Wisconsin River system and other clean, flowing waters throughout the state.
Specific Spots
- Target areas with moderate to swift currents in medium to large rivers, particularly around clean gravel beds, deep pools with sand substrates, undercut banks, rock and boulder pockets, current edges, and below dams and falls.
Silver Redhorse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Silver Redhorse in Wisconsin?
Pieces of nightcrawler, leeches, small crayfish, dough balls, cut bait, and minnows.
What flies work for Silver Redhorse in Wisconsin?
Size 10-12 black nymphs, beaded woolly buggers, Clouser minnows, yarn e.g.gs, and patterns resembling clams.
When is the best time to fish for Silver Redhorse in Wisconsin?
Target from late spring through early fall, avoiding April-May spawning periods when water temperatures reach 53-68°F.
How do you catch Silver Redhorse in Wisconsin?
Sight fishing with stealth approach, present baits or flies to stop directly in front of feeding fish as they won't chase moving presentations, watch for golden flashes and use the current to drift offerings naturally.
What do Silver Redhorse eat?
Feeding on mollusks, algae, detritus, immature insects, and small invertebrates.
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