Pumpkinseed

What it looks like

• small, very deep-bodied fish
• wavy, blue-green stripes on sides of head
• ear flap with orange or red spot
• unnotched dorsal fin with 10 to 11 spines 
• 3 anal fin spines
• small mouth does not extend to below the middle of the eye

Size

• length: 18-23 centimetres (7-9 inches)
• weight: 0.2 kilograms (0.4 pounds)
• Ontario record: 0.5 kilograms (1.0 pounds)

Similar fish

• Rock bass
• Bluegill

Where it's found

Range

• widespread and abundant, north to Lake Temagami
• use Fish ON-Line, an interactive mapping tool, to find specific lakes and rivers

Habitat

• cool to warm waters of lakes
• slow-moving streams with aquatic vegetation

Angling tips

• small, easy-to-catch member of the sunfish family
• easily caught from shore and provide excellent action for children
• aggressive feeders, take bait readily and fight well on light tackle
• small fish form large, loose schools in shallow water near weeds, docks, bridges
• bigger fish are more solitary, occasionally collecting in small groups
• light line and small hooks work best
• try dangling live bait from a small bobber, fly-fishing, casting small lures, slow-trolling, drifting

Common baits

• small plugs, spinners, jigs
• worms, insects and other live bait
• add natural bait to an artificial lure to make it more appealing