River Redhorse

Body Type & Identification: River 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 16–26 inches and 3–8 lbs. Bronze to olive with red-orange fins. A large, impressive sucker — trophy-sized fish in rivers of Ontario and the Great Lakes region

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 large, clear rivers of the Great Lakes drainage and Mississippi tributaries from Quebec to Alabama — a large-river specialist. A large river and stream species found in clear, moderate-current rivers with gravel and rocky bottom. Distinguished by the large body size and the distinctive pharyngeal teeth adapted for crushing mollusks — the River Redhorse eats freshwater mussels. Declining in many areas due to mussel decline from pollution and invasive mussels 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.

River 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 16–26 inches and 3–8 lbs. Bronze to olive with red-orange fins. A large, impressive sucker — trophy-sized fish in rivers of Ontario and the Great Lakes region

Found in large, clear rivers of the Great Lakes drainage and Mississippi tributaries from Quebec to Alabama — a large-river specialist. A large river and stream species found in clear, moderate-current rivers with gravel and rocky bottom. Distinguished by the large body size and the distinctive pharyngeal teeth adapted for crushing mollusks — the River Redhorse eats freshwater mussels. Declining in many areas due to mussel decline from pollution and invasive mussels 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.