Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus
A colorful stream sunfish with an olive back, a bright orange-red breast and belly, and a long, narrow black gill flap, the redbreast sunfish (often called 'redbreast' or 'river bream') is one of Florida's most popular panfish. It is most abundant in flowing rivers and spring runs, where it holds near undercut banks, logs and current seams.
Flowing rivers, spring runs and creeks near woody cover and undercut banks.
How to Catch Redbreast Sunfish
Whether you're new to targeting Redbreast Sunfish or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus) is typically found in river water and lake water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Redbreast Sunfish average around 7 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Redbreast Sunfish in the USA & Canada
Redbreast Sunfish is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Redbreast Sunfish, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Redbreast Sunfish Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Redbreast Sunfish vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Redbreast Sunfish populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Redbreast Sunfish
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Redbreast Sunfish is recorded:
- Suwannee River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Santa Fe River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Chipola River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Perdido River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Ochlockonee River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- St. Marys River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Flint River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Savannah River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Altamaha River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Ogeechee River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Satilla River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Roanoke River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Cape Fear River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Neuse River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Santee River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Congaree River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Saluda River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Great Pee Dee River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Little Pee Dee River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Waccamaw River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Edisto River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Black River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Lynches River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- James River (Virginia) — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Shenandoah River — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
- Clinch River (Virginia) — Redbreast Sunfish fishing water
Redbreast Sunfish Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Redbreast Sunfish:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Redbreast Sunfish?
Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus) is typically found in river water and lake water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Redbreast Sunfish get?
Mature Redbreast Sunfish average around 7 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Redbreast Sunfish in the USA and Canada?
Redbreast Sunfish is reported across North American waters, including spots in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Redbreast Sunfish?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Redbreast Sunfish vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.