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Green Sunfish

Green Sunfish

Green Sunfish are native to Minnesota and occur in all major drainages throughout the state. They inhabit lakes and streams of all sizes but prefer the quiet waters of shallow, weedy lakes and small streams.

Scientific Name: Lepomis cyanellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Green Sunfish are distinguished from other sunfish by their larger mouth extending to the midpoint of the eye, more bass-like rectangular body shape, and relatively drab coloration compared to bluegill or pumpkinseed.
  • They have blue-green backs and sides with yellow metallic flecks, dusky vertical bars, and a black ear flap with white margin.
  • Dark spots appear on the posterior dorsal and anal fins.
  • In Minnesota, they rarely exceed 5 inches, though the state record from Scheuble Lake in Carver County weighed 1 pound 3 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Occur in all major drainages throughout the state.
  • They inhabit lakes and streams of all sizes but prefer the quiet waters of shallow, weedy lakes and small streams.

Key Locations

  • Scheuble Lake in Carver County (state record location).

Specific Spots

  • Target quiet pools and backwaters of sluggish streams, shallow weedy lakes, and areas around cover like brush piles, logs, fallen trees, and vegetation.
  • They prefer areas around brush piles, thick vegetation, rocks, logs, and weedy cover.

Green Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Green Sunfish in Minnesota?

Small worms, nightcrawlers, crickets, grubs, 1/32-ounce jigs, tiny spinners, small flies, and poppers.

What flies work for Green Sunfish in Minnesota?

Woolly worms, clouser minnows, poppers, Adams, black gnats, mosquito patterns, lightning bugs, orange beaded hare's ear nymphs, spider patterns with rubber legs, prince nymphs, scuds, and foam-body beetle patterns in sizes 10-18. Crappie candy patterns are also productive.

When is the best time to fish for Green Sunfish in Minnesota?

Green Sunfish can be caught year-round in Minnesota, with the inland season open continuously. Spring and early summer provide excellent opportunities as fish move into shallow spawning areas, though avoid targeting them directly on beds during late May through early August.

How do you catch Green Sunfish in Minnesota?

Popular techniques include bobber fishing with small worms, nightcrawlers, crickets, or grubs suspended near cover. Fish slow-moving or still waters near structure.

What do Green Sunfish eat?

Green Sunfish are opportunistic feeders, consuming zooplankton as larvae, then expanding their diet to include aquatic insect larvae, small snails, crayfish, plant material, and small fish including their own young.

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