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Orangespotted Sunfish

Orangespotted Sunfish

The Orangespotted Sunfish (Lepomis humilis) is one of Arkansas's most brilliantly colored fish despite being one of the smaller and less common sunfish species in the state.

Scientific Name: Lepomis humilis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They typically reach only about 6 inches in length, making them one of the smallest species within the Lepomis genus.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit pools of small to large streams, ponds, and lakes across Arkansas.

Key Locations

  • Found throughout Arkansas, with populations documented in the Arkansas-White-Red Basin and Lower Mississippi River Basin regions.

Specific Spots

  • Look for them around scattered cover such as fallen branches in quiet pools of streams.

Orangespotted Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Orangespotted Sunfish in Arkansas?

Bead-head flies work well when modified with cut plastic tails to add wiggle and create a bigger profile. Small naturally-colored patterns in sizes 12-14 are most productive.

When is the best time to fish for Orangespotted Sunfish in Arkansas?

Peak spawning activity occurs at water temperatures of 20-25°C, typically from May through August - periods when fishing pressure should be avoided to protect breeding populations.

How do you catch Orangespotted Sunfish in Arkansas?

Use presentations that mimic their preferred prey of microcrustaceans and chironomid dipterans. Focus on areas with good insect larvae populations.

What do Orangespotted Sunfish eat?

Their diet consists primarily of insect larvae and small crustaceans, feeding as generalist predators on zooplankton, insect larvae, and smaller fish.

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