Pumpkinseed sunfish Fishing

A widespread non-native species in Portuguese inland waters, abundant along the shallow weedy margins of Alqueva and the Guadiana basin. Look for sunken branches, reed edges and shaded banks. A small worm section, corn or a 2-4 cm micro soft plastic under a float takes them easily, which makes it an ideal beginner and children's fish. It is invasive, and moving it alive to another water is prohibited in Portugal, so keep it where you caught it.

Lepomis gibbosus

Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus)
Photo: Lorenz Seebauer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
March–November
Water temperature
15–30 °C
Spawning
April–June
Behaviour
Shallow-water shoaling fish

Techniques

  • Light float fishing
  • ultralight spinning
  • shore fishing

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch pumpkinseed sunfish?
The productive window for pumpkinseed sunfish runs March–November. April–June is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does pumpkinseed sunfish feed in?
Pumpkinseed sunfish is most active between 15 and 30 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for pumpkinseed sunfish?
Common methods: Light float fishing, ultralight spinning, shore fishing.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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