Hybrid Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Rock Bass, Tilapia, White Bass, Yellow Bass, Yellow Perch and Other Sunfish.

Anywhere in Arizona that you find water you're likely to find panfish. The bluegill and common sunfish are the most prevalent but many species abound in waters around the state. From the cold water lakes and streams up north to the desert lakes and streams you can take a kid fisning for small panfish just about anywhere. Serious anglers can find harder to access areas and get some whoppers in the two-pound range.

One or more species of panfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, crustaceans, insects and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Sunfish & Panfish Fishing Lakes.

Alamo Lake, Apache Lake, Bartlett Lake, Canyon Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Pleasant, Lake Powell, Lees Ferry, Martinez Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, San Carlos Lake and Woods Canyon Lake are among the Arizona lakes with healthy schools of panfish.

They are prolific spawners and repopulate the waters as fast as they are harvested. A common problem with panfish fishing is that the waters are under-fished causing panfish to overpopulate. As a result they tend to stay small in size due to lack of food source.

The list of panfish is comprised of many fishes each called by a variety of names. The bluegill tops the list and is the most common.

Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus

Check for Arizona bluegill fishing articles in the articles section.

Crappie are also considered panfish. For details on crappie visit our crappie fishing section.

Hybrid Sunfish

Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
World Record: 5.4 lbs.

Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris
World Record: 3.0 lbs.

Tilapia
Oreochromis aurea
World Record: 4.4 lbs
Most tilapias are omnivorous with a preference for soft aquatic vegetation. They are typically found in warmer waters in the southern states, both east and west. Prefers water temperatures from 70 degrees and above, and has difficulty surviving water temperatures below 50 degrees. Tilapia are of similar size and shape to crappie. Fish for them like you might for bluegills using worms, crickets and dough balls on a size 12 hook.

White Bass
Morone chrysops
World Record: 6.8 lbs.

Yellow Bass
Morone mississippiensis
World Record: 4.2 lbs

Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
USA Record: 3.75 lbs

For general information on local fishing visit the Arizona Fishing home page.

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All About Fishing for Bluegill & Other Panfish in Arizona.

4 lbs - 12 oz

3 lbs - 15 oz

60 - 85 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with little or no current. Survives in most warm bodies of water.