Tims Fish Pages - Species Info

Scientific Name:

Lepomis macrochirus

Common Names:

bluegill, bream, sun perch, blue sunfish, copperbelly, copperhead

Description:

Bluegills have oval shaped bodies with a small mouth. Coloration varies but they generally have a bluish tint with some bronze. Most notable are the approximately six dark vertical bands on their sides. Males usually have a mark, copper in color, on the top of their head just behind their eyes. Their breast is a bluish silver with some orange or yellow hue during spawning times. Females tend to be lighter in color.

There are several subspecies of bluegill including Northern bluegill (L. m. macrochirus) and the Florida bluegill (L. m. mystacalis)

Location:

Although they are native to central and southeastern U.S., they have also been introduced into the western and eastern US. They tend to prefer slow flowing creeks or rivers, lakes and ponds, staying near vegetative cover.

Size:

Growth varies with region and habitat. They can reach sizes of 4 lbs although less than 1 lb is normal.

Spawning:

April through October, when water temps reach upper 70's. Bluegills usually create beds that are in large groups. They prefer water depths of less than 10 ft, normally 2 to 4 ft.

Prey:

They consume mostly insects, larvae and crustaceans.

Fishing notes:

Natural baits such as worms work best. Use of a canepole near trees, stumps, and vegetation is recommended. Also small spinnerbaits, such as beatlespins, work good with light tackle.