Species guide
How to catch Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
Bluegill are popular freshwater sunfish known for their deep, rounded bodies and striking blue coloration on the gill covers. They are popular with anglers for their willingness to bite and can be found in many warm freshwater habitats. Bluegill are active especially at dawn and dusk and provide fun sport on light tackle.
Where they live
Common in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow streams across North America and beyond, bluegill prefer areas with deep weed beds and are mainly active during low light periods.
Typical size
Up to about 41 cm
What they eat
- small minnows
- snails
- small crayfish
- insects
- worms
Best baits
- worms
- crickets
- small minnows
- artificial worms
Best lures
- small jigs
- soft plastic grubs
- spinnerbaits
- flies
How to fish for them
- bobber fishing
- light spinning tackle
- fly fishing
- ultralight baitcasting
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