Freshwater · Spring; best during the April-June sucker run
Shorthead Redhorse
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
The shorthead redhorse is a silver-bronze sucker with a red tail, common in rivers across Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. It is the star of the spring sucker run at creek mouths, when shore anglers catch it easily on worms.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Silver-bronze body with a distinctly red tail and reddish fins
- Short head with a small downturned sucker mouth
- Concave (sickle-shaped) dorsal fin edge
- Scales with dark edges giving a faint cross-hatch pattern
- Smaller and shorter-headed than silver redhorse
Habits
- Native to rivers and lakes from Manitoba through the Great Lakes to Quebec
- Feeds on bottom invertebrates, snails and insect larvae
- Moves into creeks and riffles in spring to spawn — the sucker run
- Holds in rocky runs and pool tails the rest of the year
- Strong fighter for its size on light tackle
Distribution
Where to find them
- Creek mouths on Lake Winnipeg, Lake Ontario and Quebec rivers in spring
- Riffle tails and rocky runs of the Red, Ottawa and St. Lawrence tributaries
- Bridge pools on prairie and Shield rivers in April-June
Where they live
How to catch them
Spring creek-mouth bottom fishing River
Rig: Medium-light rod, small hook and split shot resting on bottom at creek mouths during the run
Bait/lure: Worms
Key tip: Fish right where the creek meets the river or lake — redhorse stack up there in spring.
Rocky-run drift fishing River
Rig: Light spinning rod, lightly weighted worm drifted through riffle tails and rocky runs
Bait/lure: Worm pieces
Key tip: Let the bait tumble naturally along the rocks and set the hook on any stop or tap.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Medium-light 6-7 ft spinning rod
- Line: 6-10 lb mono
- Terminal: Small hooks size 6-10, split shot, slip sinkers
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 12-18 in; large fish to about 24 in
On the table
Fair — sweet but bony flesh; traditionally eaten in spring, often smoked or pickled, and frequently released.
Similar species
Silver RedhorseSilver redhorse is larger and deeper-bodied with a longer head and a mostly grey tail; shorthead is smaller with a short head and a clearly red tail
White SuckerWhite sucker is cylindrical and drab with no red on the fins; shorthead redhorse is deeper-bodied with a red tail and reddish finsRegulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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