Skip to main content

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are found statewide in Illinois, representing the northern edge of their native range which extends from southern Illinois through the Mississippi River basin.

They are true warmwater fish with zero tolerance for cold conditions, becoming inactive below 45°F and feeding most actively when temperatures reach the mid-70s range.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcrackers, stump-knocker

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their red or orange-tipped operculum (gill flap), with males displaying brighter red coloration and females showing more orange tones.
  • Illinois redear average 6.5 inches with the current state record being 3 pounds, 1.1 oz caught in 2018.
  • During spawning period, males become very dark in coloration.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit warm-water lakes, streams, ponds, and reservoirs throughout Illinois, preferring deeper water than other sunfish species except during spawning.

Key Locations

  • Baldwin Lake in Randolph County, Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area in Knox County, World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta (East Lake, Derby Lake, and RV Lake).

Specific Spots

  • Redear congregate around brush, logs, stumps, and hard substrate areas.
  • Focus on deeper water areas around brush piles, fallen logs, stumps, and hard substrate drop-offs.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

The most effective baits include crickets, red worms, wax worms, and nightcrawlers, with small pieces of nightcrawler being particularly productive.

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

Late spring through early summer when water temperatures reach 70-89°F, with spawning season (May-June) offering the most productive fishing. During summer's hottest periods when other species become inactive, redear may continue feeding actively.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Illinois?

Employ a slow jigging technique, working baits up and down off the bottom to trigger strikes.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

Their diet consists primarily of snails, mussels, insect larvae (especially midge fly larvae and bloodworms), cladocerans, and small crustaceans. Unlike bluegill, redear spend most of their time in deep water and seldom feed on surface insects.

Where do Redear Sunfish live in Illinois?

They inhabit warm-water lakes, streams, ponds, and reservoirs throughout Illinois, preferring deeper water than other sunfish species except during spawning.

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 Redear Sunfish.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Redear Sunfish water

    Pick Redear Sunfish 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 Redear Sunfish

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

Stop guessing where Redear Sunfish are.

Open the map, filter by Redear Sunfish, 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.

Illinois licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Illinois 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.