A brassy olive sunfish relative with distinct red eyes, 6 anal fin spines, and black row spots. Inhabits clear rocky streams and rivers, holding under boulder ledges and submerged logs.
Season
May – September
Where
Upper Susquehanna, Savage River, Monocacy, Deer Creek
Salinity band
Inland Freshwater (0 - 3 ppt)
Status
Established Inland Freshwater Species
Record
MD Record: 3 lbs 0 oz
How we fish for them
Cast 1/16oz inline spinners, small tube jigs, or 2-inch floating jerkbaits near current breaklines.
Rod: White Perch & Panfish Rod 6'6" LF Reel: 1000 Spinning Reel • 6lb Mono
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Spiny dorsal fin rays and sharp opercular (gill cover) spines. Smooth down dorsal fin before handling.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026