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Pumpkinseed

Pumpkinseed

The Pumpkinseed is one of the most colorful sunfish species but remains uncommon in Iowa. This deep-bodied, slab-sided sunfish features a very small mouth where the upper jaw doesn't reach the front margin of the eye when closed.

Scientific Name: Lepomis gibbosus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their pale olive coloration with purplish horizontal bars, elongated pointed pectoral fins that reach entirely across the eye when bent forward, and most notably, a bright red semi-circular spot on the gill cover with 6 or more wavy emerald bars interspaced with gold or copper on the cheeks.
  • Adults typically grow 8-10 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Iowa, Pumpkinseeds are not abundant anywhere but are occasionally taken in natural lakes and the Mississippi River, rarely found in man-made lakes in northern Iowa, and very rarely in interior rivers.

Key Locations

  • Iowa Great Lakes (East and West Okoboji, Spirit Lake), the Mississippi River and its backwaters, tributaries like the Yellow River and Maquoketa River, small tributary streams to the Wapsipinicon River in the Clinton and DeWitt areas, Lake Petocka, Meredith Park Pond.

Specific Spots

  • Target around docks, fallen trees, and weed beds.
  • Focus on shallow protected areas near aquatic plants.

Pumpkinseed FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Pumpkinseed in Iowa?

Pumpkinseed James Wood Bucktail - tie with variegated chenille in chartreuse/black for the body, a mix of green, yellow, and blue bucktail for the sparse 360-degree wing, and bright red and purple chenille for the head.

When is the best time to fish for Pumpkinseed in Iowa?

Spawning occurs from May through July at water temperatures of 60-68 degrees with peak activity in early June - during this period, avoid fishing for them as males vigorously guard nests in shallow water near shore.

How do you catch Pumpkinseed in Iowa?

For fly fishing, use a slow, steady hand-twist retrieve rather than stripping, or use as a drop bait allowing it to sink naturally near cover.

What do Pumpkinseed eat?

Their diet progresses from zooplankton when tiny to aquatic insects, snails, and other small mollusks as juveniles, graduating to other small fish as adults. They're particularly known for picking snails off aquatic vegetation.

Where do Pumpkinseed live in Iowa?

In Iowa, Pumpkinseeds are not abundant anywhere but are occasionally taken in natural lakes and the Mississippi River, rarely found in man-made lakes in northern Iowa, and very rarely in interior rivers.

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