Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus

Key Distinguishing Markings:

• Bluegills have small mouths and an oval shaped body deep and highly compressed.
• The fish is olive green on the upper body and light yellow on its belly.
• Blue and purple iridescence on cheek.
• Dark bands run up and down from the back fading into the belly.

• A dark blue or black "ear" on an extension of the gill cover.

• A prominent dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin, close to the tail
• Breeding males may have more blue and orange coloration on their flanks

Size:

• Typically about 6 inches, but can reach 12 inches.

Distribution:

• Inshore from the Great Lakes to Florida.
• In all tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay with salinity less than 18 ppt.
• Many times these fish will be stocked along with largemouth bass in many Maryland ponds and lakes.

Habitat:

• Bluegills are a freshwater fish, although they will venture into slightly salty water.
• They like quiet waters such as lakes, ponds and slow flowing rivers and streams.

Food Preference:

• Spiders, insects, crayfish, fish eggs, and other small fish are their favorite foods.
• Young bluegill often become food for larger fish, birds and water snakes.

Spawning:

• Spawning takes place from April to September in fresh water.
• The male picks a good spot and makes a nest.
• After the female lays her eggs, the male guards the eggs and newly hatched young.
• Bluegills like to build their nests around other bluegill nests. Sometimes there are so many nests that the nest beds touch and look like honeycombs.

Fishing Tips:

• Earthworms or even corn kernels make good bait.
• Easy to catch, bluegills make a good pan fish.
• They are often the first fish that a young fisherman catches.

Fun Facts:

• Bluegills are a member of the sunfish family.
• Many people call bluegills "sunnies".

For more information on channel catfish and their management, please contact DNR Customer Service.

Illustration: Courtesy of Duane Raver/USFWS
For a black & white drawing, Click Here.