7 replies to this topic

[Nightwing]

Hey guys, I'm in the Grand Rapids MI, area, looking for location for northern sunfish(northern longears).  I'd like to add some to my large(for the moment) 125 gallon tank to eventually replace the pumpkinseeds that are young of year in there..but destined for a 220 gallon tank going up this next spring.  If anyone has ideas on specific lakes with good populations..and then how to catch them, I'd be gratefull.  I'd prefer NOT to hook and line if possible, but willing to do so if needed(prefer not to start off with mouth wounds...but again, not a deal breaker).  I've tried seins, dip nets, fish traps...catch greens, pumpkinsees, and bluegill...but so far no Northerns.  Tried at least a dozen lakes.   Any ideas?  Am I missing something in location(normal litoral weedbeds), specific lakes perhaps?  Any help appreciated!

edited to add, I have the required DNR scientific collection permits to transport live fish, and definitly practice safe water disposal so as not to move invasives around, in case anyone was concerned.

[JasonL]

I have had more success catching longears in small clear streams than I have in lakes although I have caught them in both. Stream doesn't have to be very big at all as long as there is more or less permanent flow. I might suggest going to a nearby stream and dipnetting underneath some undercut banks, brush or weeds. That's where I usually find them in good numbers. Good luck.

[Evan P]

I would recommend checking out fishmap.org and searching for both Northern Sunfish and Longear Sunfish. Some of the old data for Northern Sunfish is filed under Longear.

[itsme]

Yes, peltastes and megalotis are primarily stream fishes.

[smbass]

I actually would not agree with this statement of them both being primarily stream dwelling. This is true with megalotis but not so much with peltastes. Peltastes, particularly as you go north are often found in natural lakes, natural being the key thing here. I have caught them a couple times in lakes in MI and my localities would be on fishmap.

[itsme]

I actually would not agree with this statement of them both being primarily stream dwelling. This is true with megalotis but not so much with peltastes. Peltastes, particularly as you go north are often found in natural lakes, natural being the key thing here. I have caught them a couple times in lakes in MI and my localities would be on fishmap.

 

Fine!  

[Duckman77]

I catch my northern sunfish in a stream with a rocky bottom alongside smallmouth bass. If you ever come down to chicagoland I can take you out.

[zeelandtrop]

Thornapple River by Hastings might be a good spot to try. Uncle Jim has shown us a few good spots around there for darters. Otherwise the Flat River at Fallasburg Park north of Lowell should be really good habitat.