Skip to main content

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are not native to Wisconsin but have been introduced to various waters throughout the state.

These distinctive panfish are larger than their bluegill cousins and are specialized molluscivores, earning their 'shellcracker' nickname from their ability to crush snails and mussels with powerful pharyngeal teeth.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcracker

Physical Characteristics:

Reaching 20-24 cm in length and weighing up to 0. 45 kg on average, with males displaying a characteristic red or orange margin on their opercular flap

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Prefer warm, quiet waters including lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving river backwaters with moderate aquatic vegetation. They typically inhabit deeper waters than other sunfish (at least 2 meters deep).

Key Locations

Lake Columbia near Portage and Long Lake near Poynette

Specific Spots

Commonly found near logs, stumps, and vegetated areas. Focus on areas with sandy or muddy bottoms near vegetation where snails concentrate. In Wisconsin waters, look for them in the deeper portions of vegetated coves and around submerged structure.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Redear Sunfish in Wisconsin?

Natural baits including earthworms, crickets, grass shrimp, and small pieces of nightcrawlers. Small jigs tipped with live bait are effective, as are tiny hair jigs made from squirrel or arctic fox fur rather than feathers.

What flies work for Redear Sunfish in Wisconsin?

Small patterns like Foam Ants, Micro Chubby Chernobyls with rubber legs, San Juan Worms, and small nymphs that imitate their preferred prey

When is the best time to fish for Redear Sunfish in Wisconsin?

The best fishing occurs during late spring through early summer when water temperatures reach the mid-70s range, with May and June being prime months. They rarely feed when temperatures drop below 45°F.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Wisconsin?

Focus on bottom-bouncing presentations since Redear are primarily bottom feeders. Present flies with minimal action - just enough movement to make rubber legs wiggle. They require patience as they are less aggressive than other sunfish.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

Their diet consists primarily of hard-shelled prey including ostracods, hydrobiid snails, mussels, and various invertebrates like chironomid larvae, amphipods, and cladocerans, though smaller fish also consume zooplankton and insect larvae

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 Redear Sunfish.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Redear Sunfish water

    Pick Redear 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 Redear Sunfish

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

Stop guessing where Redear Sunfish are.

Open the map, filter by Redear 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.

Wisconsin licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Wisconsin waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

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.