Also called "Shellcrackers" for their ability to crush snails and mollusks, Redear Sunfish are a popular panfish found in warm, weedy lakes throughout southern Michigan. They grow larger than Bluegill on average.
🏆 Michigan record2 lbs 6 oz·Lyon Lake·Calhoun County·2010All records →
📅 Best Times to Fish Redear Sunfish
Jan
None
Feb
None
Mar
Fair
Apr
Good
May
Excellent
Jun
Excellent
Jul
Excellent
Aug
Excellent
Sep
Good
Oct
Good
Nov
Fair
Dec
None
🛡 Redear Sunfish Conservation Status
The daily bag limit is 25 (combined sunfish).
🌿 Redear Sunfish Habitat & Behavior
Warm, clear lakes and ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation. Prefer slightly deeper water than Bluegill, often found near bottom in 4–10 feet over sand or mud. DNR records show Redear Sunfish present in 308 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Oakland, Washtenaw and Hillsdale counties. Bite activity rates Good or better in Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep and Oct.
🎣 Best Redear Sunfish Techniques
Small jigs or live bait fished on or near the bottom — Redears feed lower in the water column than most sunfish
🪱 Best Redear Sunfish Baits
Wax worms, red worms, small snails, crickets, tiny jigs
📋 Redear Sunfish Fishing Regulations in Michigan
25 (combined sunfish)
Daily limit
50 (combined sunfish)
Possession limit
Year-round
Season
Counted in the combined sunfish limit on most waters.
⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually.
Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.