Scientific Name
Lepomus macrochirus
Image Credit
Curtis Atwater
Length
15-22.5 centimetres (6-9 inches)
Weight
200 grams (0.4 pounds)
Similar Species
Location
plentiful in many southern Ontario waters
Description
- small, very deep-bodied fish
- back and sides are green to brown with faint, dark bars
- belly is silver to yellow
- black ear flap with no pale edge
- black spot at rear end of dorsal fin
- unnotched dorsal fin with 10 to 11 spines
- 3 anal fin spines
- small mouth – ends before the middle of the eye
Habitat
- warmer lakes and ponds
- slow-moving, vegetated streams
- clear waters with some weed growth
Angling Tips
- small fish form large, loose schools in shallow water near the shelter of weeds, docks, bridges or other cover
- bigger fish tend to stay by themselves, occasionally collecting in small groups
- feed all day
- easy to catch from shore and provide excellent action for children
- aggressive feeders, take bait readily and fight well on light tackle
- light line and small hooks work best
- try dangling live bait from a small bobber, fly-fishing, casting small lures, slow-trolling or drifting
Common Bait
- small plugs, spinners or jigs
- live bait, like worms or insects
- add natural bait to an artificial lure to make it more appealing