The Rosyface Shiner is found throughout the uplands of Atlantic Slope drainages from the St Lawrence to the James River, in Hudson Bay and Great Lakes drainages, and in the Ohio River drainage upstream of the Green River. It also occurs in the Cumberland River above Cumberland Falls, Kentucky and Tennessee. They are found in flowing pools and runs of creeks to medium rivers. As the common name suggests, breeding male Rosyface Shiners have red coloration on their face, as well as their the rest of the head, and their body and fins.