Skip to main content

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish are native to Tennessee and widely distributed throughout the state's streams, rivers, and reservoirs. They're part of the sunfish family along with bluegill and bass.

Scientific Name: Lepomis megalotis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished by their elongated opercular flap (ear flap) that gives them their name, and during breeding season, males display brilliant orange or scarlet coloration with turquoise markings on their head and fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer clear, rocky streams with gravel or sandy bottoms, and are better at getting food in moving water than still water, which explains their abundance in streams versus lakes.

Key Locations

  • In Tennessee, they're found in the Tennessee River system, Cumberland River drainage, and various tributaries.
  • Productive waters include Clear Fork River and various streams throughout the Tennessee River basin, Cumberland River system, and their tributaries.

Specific Spots

  • They typically inhabit pools of small to medium streams with structure like fallen trees, brush piles, undercut banks, and aquatic vegetation.
  • Target structure like root wads, downed trees, eddies, long slow pools, bridge pilings, weed-lined shorelines, rocky areas, and brush piles.
  • Fish near aquatic vegetation and cover where they hide from predators.
  • Focus on clear streams and the pool areas of creeks and rivers with rocky or sandy bottoms.

Longear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Longear Sunfish in Tennessee?

Small worms, crickets, nightcrawlers cut into pieces, and small minnows. Microjigs from 1/100 to 1/64 oz on #10 hooks.

What flies work for Longear Sunfish in Tennessee?

Small (#10-18) flies like Foam Ants, Micro Chubby Chernobyls with rubber legs, small poppers, woolly buggers, Pat's rubber legs nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, midges, and small streamers.

When is the best time to fish for Longear Sunfish in Tennessee?

Mid-spring through mid-fall, particularly April through September, with peak action during summer. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (late May through August). When water temperatures drop below 70°F, fish deeper and slower.

How do you catch Longear Sunfish in Tennessee?

Microjigs from 1/100 to 1/64 oz on #10 hooks are extremely effective when dapped in likely areas. Move poppers just enough to make the legs wiggle rather than giving them aggressive action.

What do Longear Sunfish eat?

Longear Sunfish are carnivorous, feeding more extensively near the water's surface than other sunfish species. Adult longears (over 4 inches) consume 37% terrestrial insects, 31% fish, 21% aquatic insects, and 7% fish e.g.gs. They also eat dragonflies, small crustaceans, gnat larvae, snails, mayflies, and leeches.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Longear Sunfish.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Longear Sunfish water

    Pick Longear Sunfish and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Longear Sunfish

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Longear Sunfish are.

Open the map, filter by Longear Sunfish, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Tennessee licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.