and have a distribution throughout the upper Midwest, Canada and even into some of the eastern Mid-Atlantic states like Virginia. However, unlike the Greater and River, the average size of a Shorthead is usually less than 16 inches.
Silver Redhorse are another species that achieve impressive sizes with specimens reaching 14 pounds documented. They frequent clean, clear water rivers and streams with gravel riffles and resting pools. They have a fairly wide distribution with populations in central Canada, as well as across the upper Midwest from Minnesota to upstate New York. The fins and tail are light orange to gray in color and serve as an indicator that the fish is not a Greater or River Redhorse.
Golden Redhorse have a vibrant golden hue to their scales and their tail is typically a slate grey color. They grow up to 4 pounds and have a wide distribution across the central and into the eastern US. Goldens also feed on
aquatic insects and crustaceans in relatively clean rivers and streams across their distribution.
Black Redhorse are found in pockets throughout the upper Midwest and down into Oklahoma and Arkansas. They prefer small, clean streams with wood debris and gravel bottoms. They too have darker fins and a slate grey tail, and have the distinguishing characteristic of 10 rays in their pelvic fins while all other species maintain only 9 rays.
Additional species of Redhorse like the Grayfin, Blacktail,
Notchlip, Sicklefin, Smallmouth and V-Lip Redhorse have smaller, unique distributions throughout the Ohio River, south and south-east states.
It’s quite common to encounter redhorse when fishing, especially when fishing with baits on or near the bottom.
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The chart below lists characteristics of common redhorse species. Knowledge of this could prevent the taking of threatened species. Consult local regulations for more info. Larger versions of this chart suitable for printing are available at www.moxostoma.com.
Redhorse (continued from page 12)
Photo Courtesy of Olaf Nelson
The tail structure and color, mouth structure, dorsal fin shape and scale counts around the caudal peduncle can all help with ident-ification. Shown above is the caudal fin of a Shorthead Redhorse