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Green Sunfish

Green Sunfish

Green Sunfish are an introduced species in Nevada, originally introduced by the US Fish Commission in the late 1800s. They are found in ponds and reservoirs throughout Nevada.

They're pioneer species that excel at colonizing disturbed waters and small bodies of water where other fish are uncommon.

Scientific Name: Lepomis cyanellus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Unlike other sunfish, Green Sunfish have a wider, more bass-like body with a large mouth extending to the midpoint of the eye, short rounded pectoral fins, and a compressed rectangular shape.
  • They typically reach 5-13 inches and weigh 0.25-2 pounds.
  • Their coloration features blue-green backs and sides with yellow metallic flecks, dusky bars, and a white-to-yellow belly.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit sluggish streams, ponds, backwaters, and weedy shorelines, often near cover like brushy banks, cliffs, or rubble piles.

Specific Spots

  • Focus efforts in shallow water areas including backs of coves, flats off main lake areas, weedy shorelines, and around cover like docks, standing timber, rocks, and vegetation.

Green Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait such as nightcrawlers, waxworms, mealworms, bloodworms, crickets, and grasshoppers. Small artificial lures including 1/32-1/16 ounce jigs with tubes or curly tail grubs in green, brown, black, white, or chartreuse colors. Small naturally colored tubes, grubs, or swimbaits on light jigheads.

What flies work for Green Sunfish in Nevada?

Size 10-12 black or gray AP Mayfly Nymphs, black Martinez nymphs, black stonefly nymphs, and small Woolly Buggers in black, olive, and olive/gold combinations. Size 6 chartreuse Sneaky Pete poppers fished into lily pad openings.

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

The best fishing for Green Sunfish in Nevada occurs from April through October, with peak activity in late spring during spawning season through late fall. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (May through August when water temperatures reach 21°C/70°F).

How do you catch Green Sunfish in Nevada?

They respond well to still fishing, drift fishing, and fly fishing techniques. Use live bait under a bobber. Fish areas with low water velocity and focus on protected shorelines with heavy cover.

What do Green Sunfish eat?

Green Sunfish are highly predaceous omnivores with large mouths relative to body size. Juveniles feed on zooplankton, aquatic insects, and small snails, while adults consume crayfish, fish e.g.gs, insects, small fish, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and occasionally plant material.

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