Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Robust, deep-bodied sunfish with thick, stout build. Body more elongated than bluegill with less extreme compression.

Distinctive Features:

Very large mouth – upper jaw extends past middle of eye (much larger than bluegill)
Blue-green streaks radiating from mouth across cheeks and gill covers
Black ear flap with pale margin (shorter than bluegill’s)
Yellow/orange margins on dorsal, anal, and caudal fins
Blue/emerald spots on sides (when visible)
Relatively short, rounded pectoral fins

3-6 inches

Spring, Summer, Fall

Micro jigs Small spinners Tiny crankbaits Soft plastics Fly patterns

Best Fishing Times:

Dawn, Morning, Midday, Afternoon
Peak Fishing Seasons:

Spring, Summer, Fall
Recommended Lures:

Micro jigs Small spinners Tiny crankbaits Soft plastics Fly patterns
Abundance in Chain:

Rare
Fighting Quality:

Good Fighter

Vegetated areas, cover, and structure in shallow to moderate depths

Status: Secure and stable; no conservation concerns

Population Health: Abundant and widespread; naturally self-sustaining

Management: No active management needed; naturally reproducing

Threats: None significant; highly adaptable species

Live Bait Fishing

Small Lures

Fly Fishing

Daily Limit:

25 per day
Minimum Length:

No Limit
Special Rules:
- No special regulations specific to green sunfish
- Follow general sunfish regulations
- Fox Chain O’Lakes follows statewide Illinois regulations
- Check for any temporary area-specific restrictions