Redear sunfish Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for redear sunfish.
- 2.99 lbstate record
- 141lakes rated
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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Redear sunfish in Texas
Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) is a freshwater species in Texas. The Texas rod and reel record is 2.99 pounds from Lady Bird Lake, set in 1997. TPWD rates 141 Texas lakes for this fish; 21 of them as excellent.
When and where to find redear sunfish in Texas
When
Spawns late spring and early summer, in deeper water than most sunfish
Where they hold
Near bottom in warm water with little current and abundant vegetation; Feeds heavily on snails ("shellcracker")
Redear sunfish facts from the TPWD species profile.
Best Texas lakes for redear sunfish
Texas lakes rated for redear sunfish, best rating first, then by size.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Excellent for redear sunfish; 181,600 acres in Shelby County and Sabine County.
See detailsCaddo Lake
Excellent for redear sunfish; 26,800 acres in Harrison County and Marion County.
See detailsLake Lavon
Excellent for redear sunfish; 21,400 acres in Collin County.
See detailsBois d'Arc Lake
Excellent for redear sunfish; 16,641 acres in Fannin County.
See detailsLake Tyler
Excellent for redear sunfish; 2,224 acres in Smith County.
See detailsLake Amon G. Carter
Excellent for redear sunfish; 1,848 acres in Montague County.
See detailsHouston County Lake
Excellent for redear sunfish; 1,330 acres in Houston County.
See detailsLake Weatherford
Excellent for redear sunfish; 1,158 acres in Parker County.
See detailsBonham City Lake
Excellent for redear sunfish; 1,020 acres in Fannin County.
See detailsLake Gonzales (H-4)
Excellent for redear sunfish; 696 acres in Gonzales County.
See detailsLake Naconiche
Excellent for redear sunfish; 692 acres in Nacogdoches County.
See detailsCoffee Mill Lake
Excellent for redear sunfish; 650 acres in Fannin County.
See detailsTexas limits for redear sunfish
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunfish (bluegill, redear, green, warmouth, longear) | No limit | No bag or length limit |
Redear sunfish limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for redear sunfish
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bow fishing | 3.1 | 13.25 | Lady Bird Lake | 2021 |
| fly fishing | 1.75 | 12.75 | San Marcos River | 2017 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 2.99 | 14 | Lady Bird Lake | 1997 |
Redear sunfish records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where TPWD stocks redear sunfish
- Lake Kyle2,521 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Spring Canyon Lake (AKA Meredith Stilling Basin)1,100 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Early Town Center1,005 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Elkins Lake (Dalworthington Gardens)992 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Cal Young Park Lake901 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Lake Zebco642 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Strike King Pond500 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Moore Road Park West Pond (Coppell)496 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Harlingen Sports Complex337 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Kidd Springs Park (Dallas)287 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Twin Lakes North Pond (Dallas)287 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Twin Lakes South Pond (Dallas)287 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Wilshire Park (Euless)235 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Lake Centex200 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Generations Park44 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Boerne City Park6 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Redear sunfish stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Questions about redear sunfish in Texas
What is the Texas state record redear sunfish?
2.99 pounds, caught at Lady Bird Lake in 1997, rod and reel all tackle.
What is the daily bag limit for redear sunfish in Texas?
No limit a day statewide.
Where is the best redear sunfish fishing in Texas?
TPWD rates Toledo Bend Reservoir, Caddo Lake, Lake Lavon and Bois d'Arc Lake excellent, among others.
When do redear sunfish spawn or bite best in Texas?
Spawns late spring and early summer, in deeper water than most sunfish.
Where do redear sunfish hold?
Near bottom in warm water with little current and abundant vegetation; Feeds heavily on snails ("shellcracker").
Does TPWD stock redear sunfish?
Yes. The most stocked water from 2024 to 2026 was Lake Kyle.
Do I need a license to fish for redear sunfish in Texas?
Yes. Anglers 17 and older targeting redear sunfish need a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What is the scientific name of redear sunfish?
Lepomis microlophus.
Can I keep redear sunfish caught in a Texas state park?
Yes, under the same redear sunfish limits, and no license is needed inside the park.