Longear Sunfish
Longear Sunfish are among Louisiana's most colorful and distinctive freshwater fish. The species is well-established throughout the state's river systems.
Louisiana populations show remarkable color variation, with some displaying more blues and turquoise while others exhibit stronger reds and oranges, particularly during spawning season.
Scientific Name: Lepomis megalotis
- Characterized by their elongated black opercular flaps (ear flaps) that give them their name, olive to rusty-brown backs, bright orange bellies, and brilliant blue-green vermiculate bars on their heads.
- They have quite small mouths.
Fishing in Louisiana
Red River
Lake Chicot
Mississippi River
Ouachita River
Kincaid Reservoir
Indian Creek Reservoir
Lake Buhlow
Cotile Lake
Lake Iatt
Calcasieu River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found primarily in clear, flowing streams and rivers with firm clay or gravel bottoms throughout the state's river systems.
Key Locations
- Calcasieu River, Pearl River Basin, and numerous tributary streams throughout Louisiana's river systems.
Specific Spots
- Target areas with aquatic vegetation, root wads, downed trees, eddies, bridge pilings, and weed-lined shorelines in shallow to moderate depths.
- Focus on areas where water flows over gravel or sand bottoms.
Longear Sunfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Longear Sunfish in Louisiana?
Microjigs weighing 1/100th to 1/64th ounce on #10 hooks. Live bait options include small worms, crickets, and minnows.
What flies work for Longear Sunfish in Louisiana?
Small foam ants, Micro Chubby Chernobyl with rubber legs, small poppers, woolly buggers, Pat's rubber legs stonefly patterns, small pheasant tail nymphs, and midges.
When is the best time to fish for Longear Sunfish in Louisiana?
Best time is from late spring through early fall (April through September), avoiding spawning period from late May through August. In colder months below 70°F, fish deeper and slower.
How do you catch Longear Sunfish in Louisiana?
Sight fishing or blind casting with microjigs. For fly fishing, move small poppers just enough to make legs wiggle. In colder months below 70°F, use indicators and dead drift presentations with smaller offerings.
What do Longear Sunfish eat?
Carnivorous fish that feed extensively near the water surface compared to other sunfish, consuming terrestrial insects (37% of adult diet), small fish (31%), aquatic insects (21%), and fish e.g.gs (7%).
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