Longear Sunfish

Body Type & Identification: Brilliantly colored — orange-red body with blue-green wavy lines on the cheeks and sides, and a distinctive very long, all-black "ear" flap. One of the most colorful freshwater fish in North America. Smaller than Bluegill — a creek and river sunfish found throughout the central US.

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–78°F. A stream-adapted sunfish that tolerates clear, fast-flowing water better than most other sunfish. Spawn in shallow gravel areas in late spring and early summer — colonial nesters.

Habitat: Clear, rocky streams and rivers throughout the Ozarks, Appalachians, and central river drainages. Also found in lakes and reservoirs. Prefer clear water with gravel or rocky bottom — a classic small stream and river panfish. Common in Ozark streams alongside Smallmouth Bass.

Best Lures: Small poppers and dry flies on 3–4 weight fly tackle are outstanding. Small inline spinners work well in current. Small jigs produce consistent results. Micro soft plastics on tiny jigheads are effective.

Best Baits: Live crickets are the top bait. Small nightcrawler pieces work very well. Small live crayfish are excellent. Wax worms produce catches in cooler water. A fun target for ultralight or fly fishing in clear Ozark and Appalachian streams.

Top 5 Destinations: Ozark rivers (Jack's Fork, Current River, Eleven Point) MO/AR, Buffalo National River AR, Illinois River OK, Green River KY.