Green Sunfish
Green Sunfish are a non-native species found scattered throughout southeastern Montana, primarily in the lower Yellowstone and Little Missouri river drainages.
These hardy, aggressive panfish are extremely adaptable fish that tolerate a wide range of temperatures, turbidity levels, and low dissolved oxygen conditions in slow-moving streams, ponds, and lakes.
Scientific Name: Lepomis cyanellus
- Rarely exceed 5 inches in length in Montana waters and are characterized by their blue-green coloration, larger mouth compared to other sunfish, and robust body shape.
Fishing in Montana
Missouri River
Sun River
Smith River
Belt Creek
Marias River
Benton Lake
Holter Lake
Teton River
Dearborn River
Little Muddy Creek
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Southeastern Montana, slow-moving streams, ponds, and lakes, slow-moving streams at lower elevations, shallow areas of lakes, prairie streams, stock ponds.
Key Locations
- Lower Yellowstone and Little Missouri river drainages, Region 7 managed waters, Montana's managed pond systems.
Specific Spots
- Target shallow areas with cover such as weedy shorelines, docks, stumps, rocks, fallen trees, and brush piles.
- Fish structure-oriented areas, weed lines, and shallow protected waters.
Green Sunfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Green Sunfish in Montana?
1/32-1/16 ounce jig heads with small tubes, curly tail grubs, or small swimbaits in green, brown, black, white, or orange colors. Small inline spinners (1/24-1/8 ounce) in chartreuse, pink, or orange. Live baits: nightcrawlers, red worms, crickets, grasshoppers, and small minnows.
What flies work for Green Sunfish in Montana?
Small patterns including Foam Ants, Micro Chubby Chernobyls with rubber legs (move just enough to make legs wiggle), small damselflies, San Juan Worms, and brassies in sizes #14-#18. Small soft hackles work well as droppers.
When is the best time to fish for Green Sunfish in Montana?
Best fishing occurs from late spring through fall. They remain active year-round in many Montana waters due to their cold tolerance. During cooler months, focus on deeper areas.
How do you catch Green Sunfish in Montana?
Fish structure-oriented areas, weed lines, and shallow protected waters. Use live baits under a bobber or fished near bottom.
What do Green Sunfish eat?
Omnivorous predators feeding on aquatic insects, larvae, zooplankton, small crustaceans, crayfish, snails, fish e.g.gs, and small fish, with their diet expanding to larger prey as they grow.
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