Golden Redhorse

Body Type & Identification: Golden 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 14–22 inches and 2–5 lbs. Golden to bronze coloring with orange-red fins — one of the more colorful suckers. An excellent sport fish on light tackle in clear Great Lakes tributaries

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 and rivers of the Great Lakes drainage and upper Mississippi tributaries from Quebec to Kansas. A larger redhorse species of clear, moderate-current rivers with gravel and rocky bottom. More tolerant of larger river conditions than some other redhorse — found in rivers as well as smaller streams. An important sport fish in Ontario and the Great Lakes region 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.

Golden 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 14–22 inches and 2–5 lbs. Golden to bronze coloring with orange-red fins — one of the more colorful suckers. An excellent sport fish on light tackle in clear Great Lakes tributaries

Found in clear streams and rivers of the Great Lakes drainage and upper Mississippi tributaries from Quebec to Kansas. A larger redhorse species of clear, moderate-current rivers with gravel and rocky bottom. More tolerant of larger river conditions than some other redhorse — found in rivers as well as smaller streams. An important sport fish in Ontario and the Great Lakes region 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.