Silver Redhorse

Though not particularly sought after as a sport fish, the silver redhorse has some potential to become a very popular species in its range and is probably under utilized in this respect.

Region

Northeast, Midwest, South

Catch Ease

Easy

Habitat

Lake, Pond, River

How to identify a Silver Redhorse

The silver redhorse does not have any teeth nor does it have dorsal spines. The single dorsal fin contains only soft rays and is located approximately in the middle of the back. The top edge of the dorsal fin is rounded (convex), whereas in the shorthead redhorse it is emarginate or concave. It is generally silvery in appearance, except for its bronze-toned or olive green back. The fins are either white or grayish or pale red, but they may appear bright red in netted fish because they hemorrhage easily. The nose is white and blunt.The average size for the silver redhorse is around 18-24 inches long and about 2-5 pounds but they have been known to reach up to 10 pounds.

Where to catch Silver Redhorse

The silver redhorse is found in the same general areas as the shorthead redhorse, Moxostoma macrolepidotum, but is not as wide ranging. It occurs from the Great Lakes northeast to about Quebec, Canada and south to southern Georgia, northern Alabama and Oklahoma. From there it extends to Lake Superior, northwestward to just across the border into Alberta, Canada. In the U.S. it does not extend very far west or east of the Great Lakes, except in Georgia and the Carolinas where it occurs all the way to the coast. It occurs northwest of the Great Lakes through the lower two-thirds of Lake Winnipeg to as far north as central Manitoba and Saskatchewan.This species can be found in medium to large rivers throughout its range as well as deep ponds and lakes that have sand substrate. Unlike their cousin, the carp, they are intolerant of pollution or very turbid waters so they are an indicator species for good water quality. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

Freshwater Lakes and Ponds

Inside Turns and Coves

Riparian Zones

Rock and Boulder Pockets

Dams and Falls

Merging Currents

Current Edges

how to catch Silver Redhorse

The flesh is tasty and similar to that of the shorthead redhorse, but like the shorthead redhorse, it has many small bones. A bottom dwelling fish, this species can be taken by spin or fly tackle using lures or flies that can sink to the bottom such as jigs. Natural baits and dough balls are also effective baits. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: