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Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish are a native, common species found throughout Illinois except for the northwest quadrant from Interstate 72 to Interstate 39.

Scientific Name: Lepomis megalotis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're easily recognizable by their elongated black gill flap with white edges and compressed, deep bodies measuring typically 6-7 inches in length.
  • Their coloration features green-blue sides and backs with yellow or orange bellies, while breeding males display bright red-orange bellies with iridescent blue spots.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer clear, permanent-flowing streams and rivers with sand or rock bottoms, though they also inhabit lakes and ponds.
  • Unlike other sunfish, longears are better adapted to moving water than still water.

Key Locations

  • Clear streams and rivers throughout Illinois, particularly in the warmer, shallower headwaters.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with aquatic vegetation, root wads, downed trees, bridge pilings, eddies, long slow pools, and weed-lined shorelines.
  • They seek cover around aquatic vegetation, roots, brush piles, and undercut banks.

Longear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Longear Sunfish in Illinois?

Small jigs, spinners, spinnerbaits, 1-inch crankbaits, small spoons, and topwater baits like poppers. Live baits work exceptionally well: small worms, nightcrawlers, red worms, wax worms, crickets, and small minnows.

What flies work for Longear Sunfish in Illinois?

Small poppers, dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, midges, Pat's rubber legs stonefly patterns, small woolly buggers, and marabou jigs in 1/100-1/64 oz sizes.

When is the best time to fish for Longear Sunfish in Illinois?

The best fishing occurs from mid-spring through mid-fall, with peak activity during warm summer months when water temperatures reach 65-75 degrees. Avoid fishing during their May-August spawning period to protect nesting fish. In colder months below 70 degrees, fish deeper and slower.

How do you catch Longear Sunfish in Illinois?

Try dapping microjigs in likely spots or to visible fish. In colder months below 70 degrees, fish deeper and slower with smaller offerings like size 18 pheasant tail nymphs and midges under indicators.

What do Longear Sunfish eat?

Their diet consists of insects (37% terrestrial, 21% aquatic in adults), fish (31%), crayfish, and fish e.g.gs (7%). They're opportunistic feeders that follow turtles and suckers to eat organisms dislodged from substrates, and they feed more extensively near the water surface than other sunfish species.

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