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Flier

Flier

The Flier is a distinctive sunfish species native to North Carolina's coastal plain waters, with scattered populations in the Piedmont. Flier are designated as inland game fish in North Carolina and are considered excellent table fare.

Scientific Name: Centrarchus macropterus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Almost circular-shaped fish with an olive-green to silver body with interrupted rows of black spots along the sides and a distinctive large black teardrop-shaped marking below the eye.
  • The operculum (gill cover) has a black tip, and young fliers display a dark spot outlined in orange on the dorsal fin that fades with age.
  • Flier have 11-13 dorsal fin spines and large dorsal and anal fins that may reach the caudal peduncle, giving them their distinctive 'wing-like' appearance that earned them their name.
  • They're commonly around 5 inches but can grow much larger, with the North Carolina state record being 1 pound, 5 ounces caught from a private pond.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to North Carolina's coastal plain waters, with scattered populations in the Piedmont.
  • Found in coastal plain waters and blackwater systems.

Key Locations

  • Waccamaw River system, Lake Waccamaw (common around the dam area and canals), various swampy areas throughout southeastern counties.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on fishing around cypress trees, submerged logs, aquatic vegetation, and woody debris in slow-moving or still waters.
  • Target dense cover and vegetation, swampy areas of streams, oxbow lakes, and heavily vegetated backwaters.
  • In Lake Waccamaw, target the canals around the lake and the dam area.

Flier FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Flier in North Carolina?

Small live baits including worms, crickets, and small minnows. Artificial lures including small jigs, beetle spins, tiny crankbaits.

When is the best time to fish for Flier in North Carolina?

Spring and early summer when they're most active, with spring being particularly productive before spawning activities begin.

How do you catch Flier in North Carolina?

Small live baits presented under a bobber or suspended in the water column with a micro float around vegetated areas. For microfishing approaches, use tanago hooks with small worm pieces bounced up and down around vegetation.

What do Flier eat?

They feed opportunistically on insects, snails, worms, leeches, small fish, and terrestrial bugs, making them active feeders near vegetation and cover.

Where do Flier live in North Carolina?

Native to North Carolina's coastal plain waters, with scattered populations in the Piedmont. Found in coastal plain waters and blackwater systems.

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