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Scientific Name
Lepomis gulosus
Other Names
Bigmouth, Goggle eye, Indian fish, Warmouth bass, Wide mouth, and Stump knocker
Description
Warmouth are robust, blotchy sunfish with the upper jaw extending back behind the pupil. The back of the warmouth is a dark brown color that will sometimes have a hint of olive. The sides have vertically striped bars displaying specks of gold or green; colors are more intense during the breeding season. The belly is a combination of white, yellow, and orange. Warmouth can grow up to 11 inches in length. They usually weigh less than a pound, but can grow larger.
Habits and Habitat
Warmouth feed on crawfish, crabs, small fish, insects, and insect larvae. Most feeding takes place at dusk, at dawn, or at night, with very little activity in the middle of the day. These fish are usually found in ponds, reservoirs, and slow moving vegetated streams. They are found near stumps and heavily vegetated areas. They are more common in dark, acidic, “swampy” waters. Like other sunfish, warmouth are nest spawners. Males build nests in areas with heavy cover. Spawning takes place between May and August when water temperatures reach about 70ºF. Many anglers consider the warmouth a popular sport fish. These fish do not appear to overpopulate small waters and do not show signs of stunted growth as other sunfish do.
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 1 pound 8 ounces caught by Lillian Morris in Black Creek in 1979.
Fishing Fact
Warmouth are often caught by anglers fishing for bluegill or crappie in shallow water with crickets, worms, or minnows. With their large mouths, they often hit bass lures.