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FishUnited States

Bluegill

The most popular panfish in North America. Aggressive, easy to catch, and excellent eating — the perfect introduction to fishing.

2 viewsFauna (Animals) • Freshwater Species

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Overview

The Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is one of the most beloved panfish in North America. Known for its iconic disc-shaped body, broad black "ear flap," and willingness to bite almost anything, the bluegill is the fish that introduced generations of anglers to the sport.

Bluegills are schooling fish found in lakes, ponds, and slow streams across most of the continent. They prefer warm, vegetated shallows where they feed on insects, small crustaceans, and snails. Adults average about 7-8 inches but can exceed 12 inches in trophy waters.

Spring is bedding season — males clear saucer-shaped nests in shallow gravel and aggressively defend them, making this the most exciting time to target bluegill on the bed with small jigs, popping bugs, or live worms. Their thick white fillets make for some of the best freshwater table fare available.

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Fish Data31 / 39 fields

Fish Data

31 / 39 fields

Physical

Adult Size— not set

Average Length(in)7.5 in

ColorationOlive-green to bluish back with vertical bars; yellow-orange belly on breeding males. Solid black opercular ear flap.

Distinguishing FeaturesSolid black "ear" flap (no red spot — distinguishes from Pumpkinseed). Small mouth. Broad oval/disc-shaped body. Long pointed pectoral fin.

Max Length(in)16.0 in

Max Weight(lb)4.8 lb

World Record Weight(lb)4.8 lb

Habitat

Diet— not set

Native Range— not set

Conservation Status— not set

Depth PreferenceShallow water 1-10 ft, often near vegetation, docks, and brush.

HabitatLakes, ponds, reservoirs, slow streams. Prefers vegetated shallows and structure for cover.

Introduced RangeIntroduced widely worldwide; one of the most widely stocked panfish in the world.

Native RangeEastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico, west to the Rockies.

Temperature PreferenceWarm water — most active at 60-80°F.

Water TypeFreshwater

Classification

Common Names— not set

PhylumChordata

Kingdom— not set

Species— not set

Class— not set

Common NamesBream, Brim, Sun perch, Copper nose

FamilyCentrarchidae

GenusLepomis

OrderPerciformes

Scientific NameLepomis macrochirus

Behavior

Active TimeDiurnal

Diet TypeInvertivore

Lifespan(yr)8 yr

Spawning SeasonLate spring through summer (May-August), 67-80°F. Males build saucer-shaped nests in shallow gravel and aggressively defend bedding colonies.

Typical PreyInsects, insect larvae, small crustaceans, snails, fish eggs, very small fish.

Conservation

Invasive Elsewhere No

IUCN StatusLeast Concern

Recreation

Best LuresWax worms, redworms, crickets, small jigs (1/32-1/16 oz), small spinners, popping bugs and small dry flies on a fly rod.

Best SeasonLate spring (bedding) through summer; one of the best targets for kids and beginners.

Best Time of DayMorning and evening; very active during the bedding period in late spring.

Eating QualityExcellent

Edible Yes

Game Fish Yes

Wildlife & Natural Features

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External Resources2 links

External Resources & Links

2 links

FishBase

iNaturalist

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Added Apr 5, 2026