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Green Sunfish

Green Sunfish

Green Sunfish are native to Missouri, inhabiting the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins. They're found throughout Missouri's waters and are among the most widely distributed and common sunfish species.

These aggressive predators are omnivores and year-round residents but are most active and aggressive during warmer months when feeding heavily.

Scientific Name: Lepomis cyanellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Green Sunfish have a more bass-like appearance than other sunfish, with thick bodies and large mouths that extend to beneath the middle of the eye.
  • They're blue-green on their backs and sides with yellow-flecked scales, broken bright blue stripes on gill covers, and distinctive dark spots near the back of the dorsal fin, base of anal fins, and on the ear plate.
  • These fish typically measure 3-7 inches but can reach up to 12 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Missouri's waters.
  • Prefer slow-moving waters including lakes, ponds, creeks, backwaters, and vegetated shorelines.

Key Locations

  • Stockton Lake, Missouri (where the world record was caught in 1971).

Specific Spots

  • Fish near cover such as weedy areas, docks, fallen trees, stumps, rocky shorelines, and lily pads in both shallow and deeper waters.
  • Target areas with ample cover like rocks, submerged logs, stumps, and weed beds.

Green Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live baits including crickets, worms, nightcrawlers, bloodworms, waxworms, mealworms, and small minnows. For artificials, try 1/64-1/16 oz jigs, Johnson Beetle Spins, Rebel CrickHoppers, small spoons, crankbaits under one inch.

What flies work for Green Sunfish in Missouri?

Dr.y flies (sizes #10-18). Effective fly patterns include woolly buggers, clouser minnows, zonkers, poppers, Adams, and elk hair caddis.

How do you catch Green Sunfish in Missouri?

Use bobber rigs to suspend baits near structure or bottom fishing with split-shot sinkers. Scout weedy lake edges and throw bread or crackers to locate schools.

What do Green Sunfish eat?

Omnivores feeding on aquatic insects, larvae, crayfish, small fish, fish e.g.gs, snails, zooplankton, and occasionally plant material.

Where do Green Sunfish live in Missouri?

Found throughout Missouri's waters. Prefer slow-moving waters including lakes, ponds, creeks, backwaters, and vegetated shorelines.

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