Identification: Longear sunfish are one of West Virginia’s most colorful fish, being vibrantly colored with a brown to red color base. There are often wavy blue lines on the cheek and opercle and the body is marbled and spotted with blue bars on the sides. Their long ear flaps are black and are usually bordered by a blue or light line. Longear sunfish also have a rounded pectoral fin that does not reach past the eye and their upper jaw extends to under the eye.
Habitat: West Virginia is on the eastern edge of the longear sunfish native range, but they can be found in many of our warm-water streams and lakes. They are often quite common in our medium sized streams, especially in areas along the margins near vegetation and woody debris.
Other: Longear, bluegill, and redbreast sunfish are often lumped together as “sunnies”. However, one can identify the difference by noting that longear sunfish have very long, black ear flaps that have white margins. Redbreast sunfish and bluegill have black ear flaps that lack a white margin. Longear sunfish also have short rounded pectoral fins and somewhat large mouths, whereas bluegill have long pointed pectoral fins and small mouths
Habitat & Range
West Virginia is on the eastern edge of the longear sunfish native range, but they can be found in many of our warm-water streams and lakes. They are often quite common in our medium sized streams, especially in areas along the margins near vegetation and woody debris.
Status, Trends & Threats
High amounts of sedimentation can reduce the amount of suitable spawning habitat for longear sunfish and lead to decreased populations. A lack of suitable cover to escape predation can also lead to population decreases.
License & Regulations
A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers age 15 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-residents, and short-term durations. A West Virginia Trout Stamp is required to fish for or possess trout in designated trout waters. Purchase online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website or at authorized license retailers throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identification
Longear sunfish are one of West Virginia’s most colorful fish, being vibrantly colored with a brown to red color base. There are often wavy blue lines on the cheek and opercle and the body is marbled and spotted with blue bars on the sides. Their long ear flaps are black and are usually bordered by a blue or light line. Longear sunfish also have a rounded pectoral fin that does not reach past the eye and their upper jaw extends to under the eye.
Habitat
West Virginia is on the eastern edge of the longear sunfish native range, but they can be found in many of our warm-water streams and lakes. They are often quite common in our medium sized streams, especially in areas along the margins near vegetation and woody debris.
Interesting Facts
Spawning of longear sunfish is very similar to bluegill as it occurs in early summer over large nests that are guarded by males. Longear sunfish are known to naturally hybridize with bluegill, pumpkinseed and green sunfish. Longear sunfish can be caught with common panfish baits such as worms, crickets and small lures/dry flies. Catchable longear sunfish usually range from 3 to 7 inches.
Regulations
West Virginia fishing regulations apply to Longear Sunfish. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older. Bag and size limits vary by species and water body. Some waters have special regulations including catch-and-release only, artificial lures only, or specific size limits. Check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Fishing Regulations for current rules specific to your fishing location.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | Fishing | License | License & Fees | A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers age 15 and older. Licenses are available for residents, no | Link |
