Skip to main content

Flier

Flier

The Flier is a small, distinctive sunfish native to Arkansas, commonly found in the heavily vegetated, cypress wetlands of isolated floodplain habitats throughout southern bottomland hardwood wetlands.

Scientific Name: Centrarchus macropterus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by its strongly compressed, deep, round body with a small mouth, greenish or silver-green to brown coloration on the back and sides with a cream or yellowish belly, and brown dots on each scale creating rows of dotted patterns.
  • Young fish display a large black spot surrounded by bright orange in the soft rays of the dorsal fin, with a dark vertical streak below the eye extending to the lower edge of the operculum.
  • The dorsal and anal fins are nearly symmetrical, distinguishing it from other sunfish species.
  • Fliers are slow-growing fish that can live up to eight years, reaching a maximum length of about 10 inches and weight of one pound, though most are much smaller.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Heavily vegetated, cypress wetlands of isolated floodplain habitats throughout southern bottomland hardwood wetlands.
  • In Arkansas, Fliers inhabit dark, acidic waters of coastal swamps, creeks, ponds, and canals, preferring heavily vegetated waters often found under mats of floating vegetation.

Key Locations

  • Arkansas River floodplain wetlands, particularly isolated cypress wetlands, and waters like the Saline River system where the state record was taken.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on heavily vegetated waters including cypress swamps, vegetated backwaters, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving creek pools with abundant aquatic vegetation.
  • Target areas around cypress trees and stumps, near brush piles, at the mouths of small creeks and canals, and along vegetated shorelines.
  • Look for mats of floating vegetation where Fliers often hide.

Flier FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Flier in Arkansas?

Dr.y flies, tiny poppers, small wet flies, and nymphs work well, particularly patterns imitating aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and worms.

When is the best time to fish for Flier in Arkansas?

Late spring through early fall when water temperatures are between 75-85°F, avoiding March through early June when they're spawning.

How do you catch Flier in Arkansas?

Fish these areas slowly and methodically, as Fliers are not aggressive feeders and require precise presentations.

What do Flier eat?

These carnivorous fish feed primarily on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, leeches, and small fish, supplemented with small quantities of phytoplankton.

Where do Flier live in Arkansas?

Heavily vegetated, cypress wetlands of isolated floodplain habitats throughout southern bottomland hardwood wetlands. In Arkansas, Fliers inhabit dark, acidic waters of coastal swamps, creeks, ponds, and canals, preferring heavily vegetated waters often found under mats of floating vegetation.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Flier.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Flier water

    Pick Flier and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Flier

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Flier are.

Open the map, filter by Flier, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Arkansas licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Arkansas waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.