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
Where it's found
![Range of the [pumpkinseed] in Ontario](https://files.ontario.ca/mnr/pumpkinseed-map.png)
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