Shorthead Redhorse

The shorthead redhorse is by far the most wide ranging and common species of sucker as well as being one of the most colorful.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

The fins range from bright orange to deep red and the sides from silver to gold or bronze. They belly is lighter, ranging from dusky yellow to milk white. The fins contain only soft rays and there are no teeth. Typical of the redhorse is the single dorsal fin located near the middle of the back. The edge of the dorsal fin on the shorthead is emarginated or concave, distinguishing it from the silver redhorse, Moxostoma anisurum, in which the top edge of the dorsal fin is rounded. As its name indicates the shorthead has an unusually short head (17-19% of the fish’s total length). There are no scales on the head either.

 

WHERE TO CATCH SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

The shorthead redhorse is a relatively widespread species of the northeastern US and Canada. Three subspecies are recognized. One is widespread in the Ohio basin, another in the Ozark uplands and adjacent areas, and the third throughout the remainder of the species’ range. Commonly referred to as the Retta-horse in the northeastern portion of its range and known for its aversion to turbid, murky waters that cause blindness, this species can only be found in areas of high water quality. The shorthead redhorse and its close relative the silver redhorse have long been used as water quality indicators throughout their range. Their combined distribution extends throughout the Great Lakes region north to the Hudson Bay, east to Montreal and Vermont, and south to South Carolina and the extreme northern portions of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Found as far west as Oklahoma in the southern U.S., Montana in the northern U.S. and Alberta in Canada. A small disjunct population occurs at a point on the border between Oklahoma and Texas. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

FRESHWATER LAKES AND PONDS          OUTSIDES OF BENDS

RIVERS AND STREAMS                              ROCKS

DROP-OFFS                                                UNDERCUTS

INSIDE TURNS AND COVES                      RIPARIAN ZONES

ROCK AND BOULDER POCKETS             DAMS AND FALLS

MERGING CURRENTS                               CURRENT EDGES

HOW TO CATCH SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

Typical methods for targeting this species include light spin casting tackle, bait casting and fly tackle. This fish has been increasing in value as a sport fish and is actively sought by a good number of anglers. The flesh of the shorthead is tasty and sweet, but contains many small bones. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

DRIFT FISHING     BAIT CASTING   SPIN CASTING   FLY FISHING

STILL FISHING

SHORTHEAD REDHORSE LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

 

BREAD OR DOUGH BALLS    FLIES      MINNOWS       CUT BAIT     

FRESHWATER WORMS AND NIGHTCRAWLERS           JIGS