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Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish in Michigan are small, colorful members of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) distinguished by their elongated black opercular flap that resembles a 'long ear.'

Michigan hosts two forms: the traditional Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) found in southern regions, and the Northern Longear Sunfish (Lepomis peltastes) in the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay drainages.

Scientific Name: Lepomis megalotis (traditional), Lepomis peltastes (Northern)

Also known as Northern Longear Sunfish

Physical Characteristics:
  • Rarely exceed 5 inches in northern Michigan, though specimens up to 9.4 inches have been recorded.
  • Males are more colorful than females, displaying bright orange bellies, rusty-brown backs, and vibrant wavy blue streaks on their cheeks during breeding season.
  • Distinguished by elongated black opercular flap that resembles a 'long ear.'.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Clear streams, rivers, and lakes with firm clay or gravel bottoms.
  • Northern Longear Sunfish specifically favor Michigan lakes with marl sediment.

Key Locations

  • Clinton River watershed, including tributaries and connected waters, various inland lakes and clear streams statewide.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow areas (less than 45cm depth) with structure: weed-lined shorelines, root wads, downed trees, eddies, slow-moving pools, bridge pilings, scattered vegetation along streams, areas with logs or stumps, aquatic vegetation, brush piles, and undercut banks.

Longear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Longear Sunfish in Michigan?

1/100-1/64 oz microjigs on #10 hooks, small tubes, grubs, swimbaits on 1/32-1/16 oz jigheads, natural baits like worms, crickets, and grasshoppers.

What flies work for Longear Sunfish in Michigan?

Size 18 tungsten zebra midge (red), small bead head flies, size 18 downward eye hooks with worm pieces, Pat's rubber legs stonefly patterns, small woolly buggers, poppers, ants, gnats, pheasant tail nymphs, and midges. Hook sizes 18-10, with 12-14 being optimal.

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

Best fishing from April through September, avoiding the spawning period of late May through August. Peak action during summer months.

How do you catch Longear Sunfish in Michigan?

Present baits with light twitching motions to imitate life, or use precision drops around cover rather than long casts. During colder months, fish deeper and slower with smaller offerings with slow retrieval.

What do Longear Sunfish eat?

Aquatic insects (midges, mayflies, dragonfly nymphs), terrestrial insects (37% of adult diet), small fish (31%), micro-crustaceans, amphipods, fish e.g.gs (7%), and various invertebrates.

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