Black Redhorse

Body Type & Identification: Black Redhorse is a member of the sucker family (Catostomidae) — characterized by a downturned, fleshy lips adapted for vacuuming invertebrates and algae from the stream bottom. Typically 10–14 inches. Dark olive to black coloring with the distinctive red-orange fins of the redhorse group

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–70°F. A cool to warm-water bottom species most common in clear, clean rivers and streams. Suckers spawn in spring over gravel and rocky riffles — spawning runs can be spectacular and are an important early season food source for eagles and other predators.

Habitat: Found in clear streams of the Great Lakes drainage in Ontario and adjacent Michigan and Ohio — a limited range species of significant conservation concern. A clear, cold-water stream specialist found only in Ontario and a few adjacent US streams. Listed as Endangered in Canada. Requires exceptionally clean, fast-flowing streams with gravel and rocky bottom — highly sensitive to pollution and siltation. One of the most conservation-sensitive suckers in North America An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on small jigs bounced near the bottom.

Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top bait. Small worm pieces work well. Fresh crayfish tails produce results. Small pieces of clam are effective. Light to medium bottom rigs with natural bait near current breaks in clear rivers.

Top 5 Destinations: Found throughout their respective river systems — suckers are widespread but seldom destination-fished. Spring spawning runs in clear Midwest and eastern rivers attract significant angler interest.

Black Redhorse is a member of the sucker family (Catostomidae) — characterized by a downturned, fleshy lips adapted for vacuuming invertebrates and algae from the stream bottom. Typically 10–14 inches. Dark olive to black coloring with the distinctive red-orange fins of the redhorse group

Found in clear streams of the Great Lakes drainage in Ontario and adjacent Michigan and Ohio — a limited range species of significant conservation concern. A clear, cold-water stream specialist found only in Ontario and a few adjacent US streams. Listed as Endangered in Canada. Requires exceptionally clean, fast-flowing streams with gravel and rocky bottom — highly sensitive to pollution and siltation. One of the most conservation-sensitive suckers in North America An important prey species for larger predators including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Striped Bass — large suckers are outstanding live bait.

55°F–70°F. A cool to warm-water bottom species most common in clear, clean rivers and streams. Suckers spawn in spring over gravel and rocky riffles — spawning runs can be spectacular and are an important early season food source for eagles and other predators.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Occasionally caught on small jigs bounced near the bottom. Best Baits: Nightcrawlers are the top bait. Small worm pieces work well. Fresh crayfish tails produce results. Small pieces of clam are effective. Light to medium bottom rigs with natural bait near current breaks in clear rivers.

Found throughout their respective river systems — suckers are widespread but seldom destination-fished. Spring spawning runs in clear Midwest and eastern rivers attract significant angler interest.