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Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
4–7 inches
Typical Length
0.1–0.5 lb
Typical Weight
Year-round (no closed season)
Season Opens
11%
% of MN Lakes
The green sunfish is a tough, adaptable panfish found in ponds, streams, and shallow lakes across Minnesota. They're more aggressive than other sunfish and will strike at surprisingly large prey for their size.
Habitat
Green sunfish tolerate poor water conditions better than most panfish. They thrive in farm ponds, ditches, creek pools, and weedy lake margins. They're often the dominant sunfish in disturbed or degraded habitats.
When to Fish
Best months: June, July, August
Season opens: Year-round (no closed season)
Green sunfish are eager biters on worms and small lures. They're most commonly caught in small waters where other sunfish species are less abundant.
Did You Know?
- Green sunfish have a noticeably larger mouth than bluegill, letting them eat crayfish and minnows that other sunfish can't handle.
- They hybridize readily with bluegill and other sunfish species, producing offspring with intermediate features.
Lakes with Green Sunfish near you
386 Minnesota lakes have Green Sunfish on record. Find the closest ones to you.
Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) is a panfish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers. DNR surveys have documented green sunfish in 386 Minnesota lakes.