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Redbreast Sunfish

Redbreast Sunfish

Redbreast Sunfish are a non-native species in Arkansas, having been introduced from their Atlantic coast range.

First documented in Arkansas waters in 1962, they're now established in 10 hydrologic units including the Buffalo River, Lake Conway-Point Remove, Little Red River, Arkansas River system, White River drainage, and parts of the Ouachita River basin.

Scientific Name: Lepomis auritus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These colorful panfish are distinguished by their long, narrow black opercular ear flap and bright orange to red coloration on males during spawning.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Established in 10 hydrologic units.
  • They prefer moving water more than other sunfish species, thriving in streams, rivers, and the upstream reaches of reservoirs with current flow.

Key Locations

  • Buffalo River, Lake Conway-Point Remove, Little Red River, Arkansas River system, White River drainage, and parts of the Ouachita River basin.

Specific Spots

  • Target them around hard structure like fallen trees, stumps, root masses, limestone outcroppings, undercut banks, dock pilings, and rocky points in areas with sand or gravel bottoms.
  • Focus on moderate current areas, stream pools, protected margins, backwaters, and the upstream sections of reservoirs.

Redbreast Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Redbreast Sunfish in Arkansas?

Top live baits include small earthworms, redworms, crickets, grasshoppers, waxworms, and small leeches under an inch long. For lures, use small spinners, 1/64 to 1/16 ounce jigs, small spoons, and tiny crankbaits under one inch.

What flies work for Redbreast Sunfish in Arkansas?

Woolly buggers, clouser minnows, zonkers, prince nymphs, adams, elk hair caddis, small poppers, and nymphs in sizes #10-18.

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

Active year-round in Arkansas, but spring through fall offers the best fishing when they're most aggressive.

How do you catch Redbreast Sunfish in Arkansas?

Fish slowly and let flies sink gradually for larger fish. Use bobber rigs when fishing around snaggy cover, and try bottom fishing rigs in deeper holes during summer and winter when they aggregate. Night fishing with small baits near structure can be very productive.

What do Redbreast Sunfish eat?

Generalist invertivores with the most varied diet among sunfish species, feeding on aquatic insects (particularly mayflies, dragonflies, and caddisflies), terrestrial insects, snails, crayfish, and small fish.

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