Redbreast Sunfish
Redbreast Sunfish are one of Connecticut's three native sunfish species, distinguished by their long, all-black opercular (ear) flap that extends well beyond other sunfish species.
In Connecticut, Redbreast Sunfish have a patchy distribution across all major watersheds, being typically common in rivers and large streams but uncommon to rare in lakes.
Scientific Name: Lepomis auritus
- Adults typically reach 4-6 inches, with the state survey maximum at 9.1 inches.
- They display vibrant coloration with olive backs fading to bluish-green sides and bright orange-red bellies, particularly pronounced in males.
- Their heads feature distinctive aqua-colored wavy lines behind the mouth, and fins are often tinged red or orange.
- Distinguished by their long, all-black opercular (ear) flap that extends well beyond other sunfish species.
Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut River
Farmington River
North Atlantic Ocean
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
The Thimbles
Willimantic River
Westfield River
Paper Rock Shoal
Saugatuck River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer clear water and rocky areas of larger streams, showing greater tolerance for current than other sunfish species, often becoming the dominant sunfish in river environments.
- Patchy distribution across all major watersheds, being typically common in rivers and large streams but uncommon to rare in lakes.
Key Locations
- Productive locations include the state's major river systems where they dominate other sunfish species.
Specific Spots
- Focus on rocky areas with current breaks, fallen trees, stumps, root masses, and areas with hard structure that provide both shelter and invertebrate production.
Redbreast Sunfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Redbreast Sunfish in Connecticut?
Live bait excels with small earthworms, redworms, crickets, grasshoppers, and small leeches (under 1 inch) being top choices. Small spinners, jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce), and lures imitating invertebrates are effective artificials.
What flies work for Redbreast Sunfish in Connecticut?
Small nymph patterns, spider mimics, and wet flies work exceptionally well, particularly chartreuse wet-fly spider mimics on size 10 hooks.
When is the best time to fish for Redbreast Sunfish in Connecticut?
Spring through fall offers the best fishing, with peak action from May through early October.
How do you catch Redbreast Sunfish in Connecticut?
Present baits with subtle jigging motions followed by still periods to trigger strikes, as they rarely hit moving lures. Fish depths between 6 inches to 6 feet, varying rod position as needed. Finesse presentation without weights often produces better results.
What do Redbreast Sunfish eat?
Their diet is more varied than other sunfishes, consisting of generalist invertivores that feed on aquatic insect larvae (particularly dipterans, ephemeropterans, and trichopterans), terrestrial insects, small crayfish, snails, and small fish.
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