Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus)

The green sunfish is a freshwater fish in both the sunfish family Centrarchidae and the true sunfish genus Lepomis. In the Lepomis genus, it is more similar to the warmouth and the redbreast sunfish. It is also in some ways reminiscent of the rock basses but due to its bright colors not usually mistaken for one. Cyanellus is a reference to the cyan-colored rays and spots on the face and body of the fish.

Where to Find Green Sunfish

Roughly the interior of the United States east of the Rockies and west of the Appalachians. Has seen some stocking efforts, more typically as a bluegill x green sunfish hybrid. Some introductions are also likely from live bait fishermen. Found in shallow streams to rivers and from ponds to the margins of large lakes.

Green sunfish can be caught throughout the entire water column. Late spring through summer often found near shallow water spawning areas. Their very large mouth accommodates a variety of prey including insects on topwater, minnows at mid-column, to crayfish on the bottom.

When to Fish for Green Sunfish

Can be fished for all year long, >50 F water temperature is typically best. Not a common catch while ice fishing compared to a bluegill or pumpkinseed.

What Tackle to Use for Green Sunfish

Very large mouth for a sunfish, can use any bluegill tackle or trout tackle. Can also catch them on smaller-sized black bass tackle.

Other names for Green Sunfish

Other names people have reffered to this fish as include: shade perch, black perch, and green perch.