PUMPKINSEED

The Pumpkinseed Sunfish is a small but feisty freshwater species known for its stunning coloration and fan-like fins. Named for its deep, round shape (like a pumpkin seed), it displays a mix of orange, yellow, and green, with electric blue markings on its cheeks and gill plates. Its ear flap is bordered with a bright red or orange crescent—one of the easiest ways to ID it.

These sunfish prefer cool, clear waters with plenty of vegetation, such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Pumpkinseeds are often caught near the shore, making them a perfect fish for beginner anglers and kids. They're aggressive feeders, quick strikers, and commonly form big spawning colonies in late spring and early summer. Despite their small size, they're a blast to catch on light tackle.

Record Size: 1 lb

Where to Find Them: Near weeds, rocks, stumps, and in shallows—especially around spawning beds in late spring.

Pumpkin Seed-Crusted Fish with Juniper Tartar Sauce | MeatEater Cook 

1. Pumpkinseeds often hybridize with Bluegill and other sunfish.
   
   

2. They have sharp, spiny fins—handle with care!
   
   

3. They're sometimes called “sunny” or “pond perch” by local anglers.