Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus)

Habitat around Los Angeles

Almost every warm pond and lake edge in the county, including water too small to hold a bass tournament.

How LA anglers actually fish them

Same 25-fish combined bag. They hit small crankbaits and spinners meant for bass. Echo Park, Balboa, and neighborhood lakes are full of them.

Current CDFW regulations

Size limit: No size limit
Bag / possession: Counts in the 25 combined sunfish and crappie
Season: All year

§5.82 combined bag — bluegill, redear, green sunfish, and crappie together.

T14 CCR §5.82 sunfish and crappie →

Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Best lures & bait

Small spinner
Worm under a bobber
Tiny crankbait

How to catch them

Cast tight to walls, pipes, and riprap
They will eat a lure a bluegill ignores

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Related freshwater species

All species hub →

Green Sunfish