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The greatest concentrations of pumpkinseed sunfish are found in the northeastern region of the United States. They are rarely or never found in the south-central or southwestern United States.
Pumpkinseed sunfish have a small with a flat, disk-shaped body. They have a small mouth and an upper jaw that stops just under the eye pupil. The gill cover has an inflexible rear edge and short, thick rakers on the first arch. The front dorsal fin is spiny and the pectoral fin is long and pointed and can be extended past the eye when bent forward.
The coloration of pumpkinseed sunfish is one of the most vibrant of any fish in fresh water. It ranges from olive-green to brown, yellow, green and blue on the top and sides. The breast and belly are usually a light color such as cream, white or yellow and occasionally orange.
Many people consider the meat to be a worthy meal, though their small size means it can take several to satisfy an appetite. This size issue is a limiting factor in its popularity as a sport fish.
Generally they will stay near the shore and can be found in substantial numbers in shallow, protected areas. Pumpkinseed tend to travel in schools and are more likely than other sunfish to be found in moving water.
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Scientific Name:
Lepomis gibbosus
Also Known As:
yellow sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, common sunfish, round sunfish, bream, and sun bass
Average Size:
5 to 6 inches in length
Favorite Bait:
A small hook baited with worms or wax worms.
Habitat:
Prefer warm, clear, calm lakes, ponds, and pools of creeks and small rivers that have abundant vegetation.
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