Green Sunfish
Green Sunfish are found throughout South Dakota with a stable population status (S5 rating) and are considered one of the most widely distributed and adaptable sunfish species.
They're highly adaptable to challenging conditions including high turbidity, low dissolved oxygen, and high alkalinity, making them survivors in residual pools of intermittent prairie streams.
Scientific Name: Lepomis cyanellus
- They have a laterally compressed body with a large head and mouth, dark ear flap with white to yellow margin, and greenish-blue to olive coloration with an orange to yellow breast.
- Their face below the eye displays distinct bright blue-green flecks or worm-like markings.
Fishing in South Dakota
James River
Richmond Lake
Lake Parmley
Willow Creek Lake
Elm River
North Scatterwood Lake
Elm Lake
Amsden Lake
Columbia Road Reservoir
South Scatterwood Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Most abundant in smaller waterbodies including wetlands, stock ponds, and small streams, being less common in large lakes or major impoundments like the Missouri River reservoirs.
Key Locations
- Missouri River reservoirs (though less common there).
Specific Spots
- Almost always found near cover such as brushy banks, vegetation, rocks, or other structures.
- Look for areas with cover such as vegetation beds, docks, fallen trees, stumps, rocky areas, and brushy shorelines.
- They're often found in shallow water (less than 10 feet) with low current.
Green Sunfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Green Sunfish in South Dakota?
Small worms, nightcrawlers, crickets, corn kernels, bread balls, and small minnows. For artificial lures, use small jigs (1/32 ounce), beetle spins, tiny spinners, small tube jigs, and slow-moving lures that mimic insects or small prey.
When is the best time to fish for Green Sunfish in South Dakota?
Green Sunfish can be caught year-round in South Dakota with the fishing season open continuously, though spring through fall provides the most productive fishing before and after their spawning periods.
How do you catch Green Sunfish in South Dakota?
Walk the shoreline looking for schools of 5-7 inch fish near structure, and try casting small offerings around any available cover or dropping baits into likely holding spots.
What do Green Sunfish eat?
Their diet consists of crustaceans, insects, small fish, crayfish, snails, and occasionally plant material, with young feeding primarily on zooplankton.
Where do Green Sunfish live in South Dakota?
Most abundant in smaller waterbodies including wetlands, stock ponds, and small streams, being less common in large lakes or major impoundments like the Missouri River reservoirs.
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