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Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish are listed as threatened in Wisconsin, making them a Species of Greatest Conservation Need due to their extremely limited distribution, representing only 37 documented populations across 26 lakes in a roughly triangular area.

Scientific Name: Lepomis megalotis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These beautiful sunfish are distinguished by their elongated opercular flap (ear flap) that gives them their name, bright orange belly, and blue-green bars radiating from the head, with breeding males showing the most vibrant coloration including iridescent blue spots.
  • They rarely exceed 12cm in Wisconsin waters.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in the northern regions of Wisconsin, more abundant in streams than lakes and are better at obtaining food in moving rather than still waters.

Key Locations

  • Northern regions including Voyageurs National Park, Superior National Forest, the Whitefish Chain area, and the Chippewa National Forest.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow areas with extensive vegetation, particularly emergent plant beds near shorelines in clear water bodies.
  • Focus on areas with firm clay or gravel bottoms near aquatic vegetation, fallen trees, root wads, bridge pilings, and weed-lined shorelines.
  • They prefer moderate current areas in streams and the shallow margins of lakes.

Longear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Longear Sunfish in Wisconsin?

Small patterns including size 10-14 hooks with Frenchie Egan's, Zebra Midges (both black and red), small nymphs, and micro jigs from 1/100th to 1/64th ounce. Small poppers, foam ants, and spider mimics work well on the surface. In colder months, pheasant tail nymphs and midges.

How do you catch Longear Sunfish in Wisconsin?

Topwater presentations can be very effective since they feed more near the surface than other sunfish species. In colder months, use dead drift presentations below an indicator.

What do Longear Sunfish eat?

They're opportunistic feeders, consuming aquatic insects (especially midges, mayfly nymphs, and dragonfly nymphs), terrestrial insects, microcrustaceans, fish e.g.gs, small fish, detritus, snails, and leeches.

Where do Longear Sunfish live in Wisconsin?

Found primarily in the northern regions of Wisconsin, more abundant in streams than lakes and are better at obtaining food in moving rather than still waters.

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