DescriptionDescriptionGreen Sunfish are generally short, "stocky" members of the sunfish family. They are characterized from their closely related cousins primarily by their large mouths that are outlined by a heavy lips. They also generally have a black spot or blotch on their dorsal and anal fins.
Green Sunfish originally were found west of the Allegheny Mountains of the east coast of the United States, west to Colorado and New Mexico. They have been introduced all across the US, and do particularly well in a variety of waters, both large and small lakes, rivers/streams and artificial impoundments. Their tolerance to siltation and higher water temperatures allow them to flourish where other species cannot. This makes them similar to Bluegill in their abundance and availability for anglers of all persuasions.
Like most members of the sunfish family, Green Sunfish are lots of fun to catch, are widespread in their availability and offer a great sport for young and old alike. For flyfishers, they are quite cooperative on a variety of simple flies. Most any pattern that represents the insects, terrestrials, small crustaceans or small fish upon which they feed will be rewarded with good quantities of willing fish that put up a good tussle for their comparatively small size.