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Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish have extremely limited presence in Arizona, with only a single documented occurrence in 1995 in the headwaters of the Little Colorado River.

This species is not native to Arizona and represents a non-indigenous transplant far outside their natural range.

Scientific Name: Lepomis megalotis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Longear Sunfish are distinguished by their elongated opercular (ear) flaps that give them their name, along with olive to rusty-brown backs, bright orange bellies, and distinctive blue-green vermiculate bars on their head sides - features most pronounced in breeding males.
  • These colorful sunfish reach maximum lengths of about 24 cm (9.4 inches) with a maximum recorded weight of 790 grams.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Natural range typically extends from the Great Lakes and Mississippi River systems down to northeastern Mexico, primarily in areas west of the Appalachian Mountains.
  • They prefer densely vegetated, shallow waters in lakes, ponds, and sluggish streams with clear water and firm clay or gravel bottoms.

Key Locations

  • Little Colorado River headwaters (single documented occurrence in 1995).

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow, vegetated areas near cover such as root wads, downed trees, brush piles, and undercut banks.
  • Focus efforts in rocky and sandy headwaters, small streams, and areas with aquatic vegetation.

Longear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Longear Sunfish in Arizona?

For live bait, small pieces of nightcrawlers, crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms are effective. Small marabou jigs (1/100 to 1/64 ounce).

What flies work for Longear Sunfish in Arizona?

Since they feed more at the surface than other sunfish, dry flies, small poppers, ants, and gnats work well during warmer months. Pat's Rubber Leg stonefly patterns, and small woolly buggers are productive when stripped just below the surface.

When is the best time to fish for Longear Sunfish in Arizona?

Warmer months (April through September) for surface presentations. When water temperatures drop below 70°F, switch to smaller offerings.

How do you catch Longear Sunfish in Arizona?

Small marabou jigs stripped just below the surface. When water temperatures drop below 70°F, use slow retrieval or dead drift techniques with indicators.

What do Longear Sunfish eat?

Their diet consists primarily of aquatic insects, small crustaceans, fish e.g.gs, terrestrial insects, detritus, gnat larvae, snails, and leeches.

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