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Orangespotted Sunfish

Orangespotted Sunfish

The Orangespotted Sunfish is one of the smallest sunfish species in Kansas, native to the state and particularly common in Kansas prairie streams.

These hardy fish have higher tolerance for turbidity and pollution compared to other sunfish species, thriving in small, turbid streams that may lack vegetation.

Scientific Name: Lepomis humilis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically reaching 3-6 inches with a maximum of about 6 inches.
  • Distinguished by spawning males displaying vivid orange-red lines on cheeks and gill covers, reddish bellies and lower fins, and characteristic orange spots on their gill flaps.
  • Their sides are olive-colored with fine golden or emerald dots.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Kansas, they inhabit quiet pools of creeks, small rivers, ponds, sloughs, and lakes, preferring shallow, silt-laden waters like floodplain pools and areas with fine substrates such as sand.
  • Found throughout Kansas but are particularly common in the state's prairie streams.

Key Locations

  • Found throughout Kansas but are particularly common in the state's prairie streams.
  • Look for them in small prairie streams throughout Kansas.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow waters with structure like wood piles, brush, root balls along river edges, weed edges, and areas with fine substrates.
  • Focus on areas with muddy or silty bottoms that other sunfish avoid.

Orangespotted Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Orangespotted Sunfish in Kansas?

Use small patterns in sizes 18-24, particularly nymphs like Frenchie Egans and Zebra Midges in both black and red. The Bully Bluegill fly in chartreuse is highly effective - it has a big profile but isn't bulky, allowing easy ingestion while the legs provide action when pulsed.

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

Best during spring and summer when water temperatures are warmest and fish are most active. Avoid spawning period from May through August when males are guarding nests.

How do you catch Orangespotted Sunfish in Kansas?

Small bead head flies work well, especially when jigged around structure. Small poppers and spider mimics work well at or just under the surface with pulsing motions. They respond well to a slow jigging presentation, especially for timid fish.

What do Orangespotted Sunfish eat?

Generalist predators feeding on zooplankton, aquatic insect larvae (especially chironomids), microcrustaceans, small invertebrates in the water column, and smaller fish.

Where do Orangespotted Sunfish live in Kansas?

In Kansas, they inhabit quiet pools of creeks, small rivers, ponds, sloughs, and lakes, preferring shallow, silt-laden waters like floodplain pools and areas with fine substrates such as sand. Found throughout Kansas but are particularly common in the state's prairie streams.

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