Arizona Game and Fish Department Logo - Link to HomeArizona Game and FIsh Department - Managing Today for Wildlife Tomorrow: azgfd.gov
Operation Game Thief: 1-800-352-0700Arizona @ Your Service - AZ State Government Portal
  Search:
.
BUY A LICENSE .
BIG GAME DRAW
. SIGN UP FOR AZGFD eNEWS . REGISTER A WATERCRAFT
 
AZGFD Home
expand icon eServices
expanded icon Newsroom
expand icon Hunting & Fishing
   
Hunting

Fishing

- Rules & Regulations
-

Sport Fish Species

- Where to Fish
- Urban Fishing
- Weekly Fishing Report
- Lake Levels/River Flow
- Stocking Schedule
- Fish Consumption Advisories
- State Records
- Big Fish-of-the-Year
- Hatcheries
Resources
expand icon Outdoor Recreation
expand icon Wildlife & Conservation
expand icon Education & Outreach
expand icon Inside AZGFD
Customer Service
 
Redear Sunfish
 
Additional Sport Fish Species pages
- Apache Trout
- Cutthroat Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Arctic Grayling
- Desert Sucker
- Striped Bass
- Bigmouth Buffalo
- Flathead Catfish
- Tilapia
- Black Bullhead
- Green Sunfish
- Walleye
- Black Crappie
- Largemouth Bass
- White Bass
- Bluegill
- Northern Pike
- White Crappie
- Brook Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Yellow Bass
- Brown Trout
- Redear Sunfish
- Yellow Bullhead
- Channel Catfish
- Roundtail Chub
- Yellow Perch
 
Redear Sunfish
Redear Sunfish: (Lepomis microlophus)
 
Description
Non-native. Introduced in 1946. The "Red-ear" sunfish has a black opercle flap which is bordered with a reddish or orange color on the rear of the flap. Sides of head have olive-brown speckling. Body is compressed or flat with an olive-green cast, light speckling on sides. Pectoral fin long and pointed, usually extends far past eye when bent forward. Length: 6 to 14 inches. Weight: 3 oz. to over 3 lbs. .

Location and Habitat
Found statewide in warm water lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Prefer clear lakes with some aquatic vegetation; relate to deep bottom structure.

Food
They feed on hard-shelled organisms, such as clams or snails.

Angling
Redear seem to reject baits that offer resistance such as lead weights and bite gently. Fish with worms on the bottom, without weight or bobber, and simply allow the bait to lie motionless. Periodically move the bait a foot or so.

Table Quality
The meat is similar to bluegill, white, flaky and excellent tasting.
 
Related AZGFD Info
- Watercraft
- Been Fishing?
- Sport Fishing Education
- Economic Impact
- Sign up for AZGFD eNews
 
Downloads [More]
- New! 2008 Urban Fishing Regulations [PDF, 2.3mb]
- 2007-2008 Fishing Regulations [PDF, 4.7mb]
- 2007 & 2008 Amphibian and Reptile Regulations [PDF, 170kb]
- Arizona Residency Requirements
[PDF, 202kb]
NOTE: The above files are PDF's and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
 
Mission | Customer Service | Web Policy | Send Comments | Employment | Commission Agenda | Office Locations | Site Map | © 2008 AZGFD