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Redbreast Sunfish

Redbreast Sunfish

Redbreast Sunfish are native to New Hampshire and found throughout the state, though more common in southern watersheds. They are abundant in suitable habitat throughout the southern regions of the state.

Scientific Name: Lepomis auritus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from other sunfish by their narrow black opercular flap and small rounded pectoral fins, with dark green to blue backs fading to reddish orange underbelies.
  • They rarely exceed 10 inches in New Hampshire waters.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout the state, though more common in southern watersheds.
  • They inhabit slow to moderate flowing sections of medium to larger rivers and also inhabit lake and pond shorelines.

Key Locations

  • Lamprey River system, Merrimack River, Connecticut River, and similar medium to large rivers throughout southern New Hampshire.

Specific Spots

  • Fish slow to moderate flowing river sections, particularly areas with fallen trees, overhanging shrubs, large boulders, or undercut banks.
  • Target structure like chunk rocks in mid-river current for larger fish, sandy flats along shorelines for smaller ones.

Redbreast Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Redbreast Sunfish in New Hampshire?

Small spinners, jigs, crickets, grasshoppers, worms (redworms and earthworms preferred over nightcrawlers), and small leeches under an inch long.

What flies work for Redbreast Sunfish in New Hampshire?

Small patterns on size 12-14 hooks including small poppers, nymphs like Prince and Pheasant Tail, wet flies, small streamers, Wooly Buggers, Mickey Finns, Blacknose Dace patterns, and ant imitations. Small Foam Ants and Micro Chubby Chernobyls with rubber legs work well on the surface.

When is the best time to fish for Redbreast Sunfish in New Hampshire?

Late spring through early fall, with peak action during summer months when water temperatures are 68-82°F.

How do you catch Redbreast Sunfish in New Hampshire?

Present baits and lures with minimal movement - redbreasts prefer subtle presentations over aggressive retrieves. For surface flies, move them just enough to make legs wiggle.

What do Redbreast Sunfish eat?

Visual predators that feed on a varied diet including terrestrial insects, aquatic insects (particularly mayflies, dipterans, ephemeropterans, and trichopterans), small fish, crayfish, snails, and clams - making them more versatile feeders than other sunfish.

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