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Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish are native Kansas stream fish found in clear, rocky streams and creeks throughout the state.

They're part of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and are better adapted to moving water than still water, which explains their abundance in Kansas streams over lakes.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their elongated opercular flap that resembles a long ear, giving them their name.
  • These colorful fish.
  • Adult longears over 4 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Small to moderate flowing streams, rivers, and some reservoirs throughout Kansas, preferring clear waters with firm clay or gravel bottoms and aquatic vegetation for cover.

Key Locations

  • Multiple river basins including the Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri river systems, with specific occurrences noted in areas like the Lower Big Blue, Middle Kansas, Medicine Lodge, and Upper Salt Fork Arkansas watersheds.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on fishing near surface structure including root wads, downed trees, eddies, long slow-moving pools, bridge pilings, and weed-lined shorelines.
  • Look for them in shallow water around aquatic vegetation, fallen logs, and undercut banks where they hide from predators.
  • Males build and defend nests in shallow gravel areas during spawning.

Longear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Longear Sunfish in Kansas?

Small dry flies like Foam Ants, Micro Chubby Chernobyls with rubber legs, small poppers, ants, and gnats during warmer months. Subsurface patterns include Pat's Rubber Legs stonefly patterns, small woolly buggers, small marabou jigs, Frenchie Egans on size 14 hooks, and Zebra Midges in black and red.

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

Peak fishing runs from April through September, with the best action occurring before and after their spawning period (late May to August). During spawning season, avoid targeting them to protect reproduction.

How do you catch Longear Sunfish in Kansas?

Dapping techniques being particularly effective around visible fish or likely holding spots. In streams, present flies with the current rather than against it since fish face upstream. When water temperatures drop below 70 degrees, switch to smaller offerings fished deeper and slower with indicators.

What do Longear Sunfish eat?

Feed primarily on aquatic insects (particularly midges, mayfly nymphs, and dragonfly nymphs), terrestrial insects that fall on the water surface, micro-crustaceans, fish e.g.gs, and small crustaceans.

Where do Longear Sunfish live in Kansas?

Small to moderate flowing streams, rivers, and some reservoirs throughout Kansas, preferring clear waters with firm clay or gravel bottoms and aquatic vegetation for cover.

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