Species guide

How to catch River redhorse

Moxostoma carinatum

#0901

Stylized 2D illustration of River redhorse
#0901FreshwaterGame FishFreshwaterNorth America

The River redhorse is a robust freshwater fish known for inhabiting rocky pools and swift river runs. It is a sought-after game fish found mainly in North American rivers. This species is a predator that hunts macrofauna such as crustaceans.

Where they live

Found in rocky pools and swift runs of small to large North American rivers, including some impoundments. Locally common but declining in parts of its range.

Typical size

Up to about 77 cm

What they eat

  • crustaceans
  • small aquatic invertebrates

Best baits

  • worms
  • crayfish
  • insect larvae

Best lures

  • soft plastic crawfish imitations
  • jigs
  • spinnerbaits

How to fish for them

  • bottom fishing
  • jigging
  • casting near rocky structures

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