The spiny dorsal fin is essential in recovering fish stability after perturbations. We have previously shown that loss of sensory information or motor control causes disruptions in coordinated movement and delays recovery of stability. To understand control input to fin motion, specimens of our model species, the bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, were examined to evaluate afferent and efferent fin innervation. To identify the sensory array and the associated ascending innervation as well as the descending motor neurons, we used various histological techniques including whole clear and staining, whole fin staining with Luxol Fast Blue, Cresyl Violet, Sudan Black B, serial sectioning and immunohistochemistry with anti-acetylated tubulin. The best staining protocol for macro identification of nerves was Cresyl Violet, which stained the Nissl bodies of neurons purple and enable mapping of the motor nerves. We found branching innervation of the descending tracks into the erector muscles of the spiny dorsal fins. Results from immunostaining of dorsal fin rays 2 and 4 and the surrounding muscle showed heavy innervation suggesting fine motor control. Anti-acetylated tubulin staining revealed sensory neurons present in the fin rays, as well as on the fin web of the spiny dorsal fin, similar to what has been reported in pectoral and soft dorsal fins in other fish species. Motor innervation was denser closer to the joint at the base of each spine, which was surprisingly well developed. Information on the delivery of motor control and sensory feedback will help propose a mechanism for how spiny dorsal fin deployment is fine tuned. By having a better understanding of simple connectomes, we can develop prototypes for prosthetic devices that modulate motor function with local sensory input.