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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are an introduced species in Arizona that have established thriving populations, particularly in the lower Colorado River system.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcrackers, cherry gills, sun perch

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish closely resemble bluegill but are distinguished by their larger size, red or orange margin on the opercular flap (gill cover), and more elongated pectoral fins.
  • In Arizona waters, redear can reach impressive sizes - Lake Havasu holds the world record at 6 pounds 4 ounces, caught in 2021, with the lake consistently producing fish over 4-5 pounds annually.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Commonly found in Lake Havasu, Roosevelt Lake on the Salt River, various reservoirs in central Arizona, and the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.
  • They inhabit depths ranging from shallow spawning areas (3-6 feet) to deeper waters up to 25 feet, typically staying in the littoral zone.

Key Locations

  • Lake Havasu, Roosevelt Lake on the Salt River, various reservoirs in central Arizona, and the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Target Lake Havasu's many marinas, Stone Bridge Pier, Catfish Bay, and free public fishing docks at Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Site Six, Take Off Point, and Mesquite Bay North and South.

Specific Spots

  • Fish around hard structure including stumps, dock pillars, submerged logs, rocky points, and areas with shells visible on the bottom.
  • Target around hard surfaces, submerged structures, stumps, and aquatic vegetation.
  • Target depths from 3-6 feet during spawning season, expanding to 18-25 feet during other periods.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Natural baits significantly outperform artificials - nightcrawlers are considered the top choice, along with mealworms, crickets, and small pieces of earthworms.

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

The optimal fishing season for redear sunfish in Arizona runs from March through May during their spawning period, with ideal water temperatures between 72-75°F at Lake Havasu. However, they can be caught year-round, including during winter months when the previous world record was taken in February.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Arizona?

Fish these baits on dropshot rigs similar to bass fishing setups. Soak baits stationary for extended periods (up to 10 minutes) rather than using moving presentations, as redear prefer motionless offerings. Make long casts of 100+ feet in Havasu's clear water.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

Their diet consists primarily of mollusks including snails and mussels - earning their 'shellcracker' nickname - along with ostracods, hydrobiid snails, zooplankton, amphipods, chironomid larvae, cladocerans, aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish.

Where do Redear Sunfish live in Arizona?

Commonly found in Lake Havasu, Roosevelt Lake on the Salt River, various reservoirs in central Arizona, and the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. They inhabit depths ranging from shallow spawning areas (3-6 feet) to deeper waters up to 25 feet, typically staying in the littoral zone.

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