Species Profile: Silver Redhorse, Moxostoma anisurum

Tactics

The silver redhorse is fairly common in the midwest, but it is less tolerant of pollution than the golden or the shorthead so rivers with healthy silver redhorse populations are more rare. This is a bigger fish, often weighing in around five or six pounds - and fish larger than this are not uncommon. As such, heavier tackle should be used for silver fishing (8 weight flyrods and medium spinning tackle). The Silver Redhorse shines as a sport fish; it's powerful runs and gyrating leaps are legendary among nongame fishermen. Immense runs of silver redhorse are commonplace on some rivers, and the early spring action thus provided is unequalled in nature. No other fishery in our area provides the kind of non-stop, heart-pounding action. Silvers take nightcrawlers with gusto. Flies to consider for silver redhorse include the Bitch Creek, extra-large Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ears , or the Nuclear Rockworm.