Shorthead Redhorse

Body Type & Identification: Shorthead 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 12–18 inches and 1–3 lbs. Olive to bronze with red-orange fins — the red fins are characteristic of the redhorse group. An excellent sport fish on light tackle in clear northern streams

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 throughout the Great Lakes drainage and Mississippi River tributaries from Quebec south to the Carolinas and Alabama. Prefers clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel and rocky bottom. One of the most common redhorse suckers in the Great Lakes region. Spawn in large numbers over gravel riffles in spring 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.

Shorthead 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 12–18 inches and 1–3 lbs. Olive to bronze with red-orange fins — the red fins are characteristic of the redhorse group. An excellent sport fish on light tackle in clear northern streams

Found throughout the Great Lakes drainage and Mississippi River tributaries from Quebec south to the Carolinas and Alabama. Prefers clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel and rocky bottom. One of the most common redhorse suckers in the Great Lakes region. Spawn in large numbers over gravel riffles in spring 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.

6 fishing locations where you can catch Shorthead Redhorse