CommonNativeSecure
6
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis · Centrarchidae
The prettiest fish in Arkansas. Stained-glass on a hook.
Common
4–7 in
Max
9 in
Weight
Under 1 lb
Best Bite Windows
When longear sunfish feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
PRIME85%feeding activity
First & last light · tiny dry flies
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
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DAWN
62
MORN
88
MIDD
86
AFTE
78
DUSK
29
NIGH
15
Diurnal stream gem · sight-feed in sun
Solar + LunarLOW-MED lunar pull
Major feeds7:54p – 9:54p5:11a – 7:11a
Minor feeds5:31a – 6:31a8:03p – 9:03p
Solunar window 8:09p – 9:39p
Full Moon
Stream-edge bedding around full moon.
Habitat
StreamsRiversClear lakes
Range
Clear, gravel-bottom Ozark streams with steady current.
Diet
Insects, small crustaceans, snails.
Best baits & lures
Tiny dry flies
Wet flies
Bits of worm
Ready-to-fish boxes for Longear Sunfish
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Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Sight-fish riffle tails
Tiny flies
C&R — they're gorgeous
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Spawning male longears might be the most colorful freshwater fish in North America — turquoise, copper, orange, edged in cream. Hold one wet in sun and you'll forget about catching trout.
Status
Secure
Native · Centrarchidae