Redear sunfish in California
Bag rules, records and waters: redear sunfish.
- 25 a daydaily bag
- 5 lbs., 13 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of California: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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About California redear sunfish
CDFW groups Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) with its panfish species, on fresh water. Anglers may keep 25 a day (Statewide), size none.
The state record weighed 5 lbs., 13 oz., taken at Lake Havasu in 2014. CDFW maps it in 114 lakes and 6 streams.
Bag limits for redear sunfish
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 25 a day | none | All year, except closures under district or special regulations |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
The redear sunfish record
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater angling | Bait | 5 lbs., 13 oz. | Lake Havasu | 2014 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Where CDFW flags redear sunfish
Lakes flagged for redear sunfish
- Clear Lake, Lake County43,000 acres
- Shasta Lake29,500 acres
- Havasu Lake19,300 acres
- Lake Oroville15,378 acres
- Lake Berryessa13,000 acres
- Don Pedro Reservoir12,960 acres
- New Melones Lake12,122 acres
- Folsom Lake11,450 acres
- Lake Isabella7,731 acres
- Camanche Reservoir7,700 acres
- McClure Reservoir7,127 acres
- San Antonio Reservoir, Monterey County5,720 acres
- Nacimiento Reservoir5,370 acres
- Diamond Valley Lake4,822 acres
- Bullards Bar Reservoir4,800 acres
- Black Butte Lake4,500 acres
- Millerton Lake4,398 acres
- Lake Crowley4,145 acres
- Indian Valley Reservoir4,000 acres
- Lake Elsinore3,278 acres
- Turlock Reservoir3,267 acres
- Lake Cachuma3,167 acres
- Lake Sonoma2,500 acres
- Lake Casitas2,463 acres
Streams flagged for redear sunfish
- San Joaquin RiverMadera
- Colorado RiverSan Bernardino
- Kings RiverFresno
- Santa Ana RiverSan Bernardino
- Stanislaus River, Stanislaus CountyStanislaus
- Deep CreekSan Bernardino
CDFW Fishing Guide species flags; largest waters first.
Other fish like redear sunfish
- Sacramento perchpanfish
- Black crappiepanfish
- White crappiepanfish
- Bluegillpanfish
redear sunfish in California: what people ask
What are the rules for keeping redear sunfish?
25 a day (Statewide), size none.
What is the California record redear sunfish?
5 lbs., 13 oz. from Lake Havasu (2014).
Which California lakes hold redear sunfish?
CDFW flags 120 waters, including Clear Lake, Lake County, Shasta Lake and Havasu Lake.
Does CDFW stock redear sunfish?
No 2026 plants are listed.
What Latin name does CDFW use for redear sunfish?
Scientific name Lepomis microlophus.
When is the season for redear sunfish?
All year, except closures under district or special regulations
Which license do I buy for redear sunfish?
License from 16 ($64.54); some species need report cards too.
Which charters catch redear sunfish?
See the guides page.