Pumpkinseed fishing
Lepomis gibbosus. A bright orange-red crescent spot on the tip of the black opercular flap, unlike bluegill's plain black spot.
Pumpkinseed fishing uses a small tube jig or a worm under a bobber, at dusk. Idaho and Wyoming stock small numbers of pumpkinseed, mostly as 3 to 6 inch fingerlings released into small community ponds, such as Boise's McDevitt Pond, alongside rainbow trout and bluegill, to diversify what anglers catch rather than as the main put-and-take species.
Published by Fishypedia · Sources last checked September 21, 2026
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
- Active times
- Dusk
- Line
- –
- Hook sizes
- Size 6 or 8, the same small hooks recommended for bluegill and other small-mouthed sunfish.
- Stocked in
- 2 states
Identification
- A bright orange-red crescent spot on the tip of the black opercular flap, unlike bluegill's plain black spot.
- Blue-green wavy lines on the cheek, with orange, green, yellow, and blue speckling over the sides.
- Deep, laterally compressed body with a smaller mouth than bass or crappie.
- Typically 3 to 6 inches, with quality Washington populations reaching 8 inches.
Sources: wdfw.wa.gov, accessed September 21, 2026 , en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 21, 2026
Top lures
Effective once the water warms in spring and summer, worked near cover in lowland lakes.
Wet flies and ant or bee imitations also work.
Top baits
Line & tackle
- Rod power
- Hook sizes
- Size 6 or 8, the same small hooks recommended for bluegill and other small-mouthed sunfish.
Sources: wdfw.wa.gov, accessed September 21, 2026 , wdfw.wa.gov, accessed September 21, 2026
Depth by season
Spring
Males build nests once water warms to 55-63°F, and fishing improves through spring.
Summer
Fishing peaks during the spawn, which continues into June in Washington lowland lakes.
Fall
Fish move offshore into deeper water as temperatures cool, making them harder to target.
Sources: wdfw.wa.gov, accessed September 21, 2026 , en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 21, 2026
Stocked behavior
Idaho and Wyoming stock small numbers of pumpkinseed, mostly as 3 to 6 inch fingerlings released into small community ponds, such as Boise's McDevitt Pond, alongside rainbow trout and bluegill, to diversify what anglers catch rather than as the main put-and-take species. Unlike the catchable-size trout stocked in the same ponds, these fingerlings need time to grow before reaching catchable size.
Common mistakes
- Overlooking the common rig; a bobber and worm is the most common tackle used, but crickets and grubs also work well.
- Overlooking the evening fly bite; in late spring and summer, fly-rodders have great evening sport with small poppers, wet flies, and imitation ants and bees.
Where it's stocked
4 locations shown. Tap a pin for details. · Open this area in Google Maps
Wyoming
State records
| State | Weight | Angler | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 0.93 lbs | James Milton | Chase Lake | 2023 |
| Michigan | 2.15 lbs | – | Lake Nepessing, Lapeer County | 2009 |
| Montana | 1.23 lbs. | Parker Shipman | Echo Lake | 2026 |
| New York | 1 lb. 9 oz. | R. Kennard Mosher | Indian Lake, Hamilton Co. | 1994 |
| Wisconsin | 1 lb. 3.4 oz. | – | Silver Lake, Washington County | 2020 |
| Wyoming | 0.62 lbs. | Anthony Wendtland - Sheridan, WY | Farm Pond, Sheridan County | 2009 |
Common questions
What lures work for Pumpkinseed?
Small tube jig, a jig: Effective once the water warms in spring and summer, worked near cover in lowland lakes. Curly-tail soft plastic, a soft plastic. Small popper, a fly: Wet flies and ant or bee imitations also work.
What bait works for Pumpkinseed?
Worm under a bobber. Cricket or grub.
Where do Pumpkinseed hold?
Spring: Males build nests once water warms to 55-63°F, and fishing improves through spring. Summer: Fishing peaks during the spawn, which continues into June in Washington lowland lakes. Fall: Fish move offshore into deeper water as temperatures cool, making them harder to target. Winter: The toughest season to catch pumpkinseed, as fish hold away from the shallows.
How big do Pumpkinseed get?
The Idaho record is 0.93 lbs from Chase Lake in 2023. The Michigan record is 2.15 lbs from Lake Nepessing, Lapeer County in 2009. The Montana record is 1.23 lbs. from Echo Lake in 2026. 3 more state records are on this page.