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Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Identifying Characteristics

	Deep body with spiny and soft dorsal fins well connected
	2 to 3 anal fin spines
	10 dorsal spines
	Soft dorsal fin with a black blotch near base of last few rays
	Dark "ear" flap on gill plate
	Distinguished from green sunfish and rock bass by smaller mouth not extending to middle of the eye
	Distinguished from the pumpkinseed by the lack of an orange spot on the gill cover

Other Information

Bluegill were introduced in Wyoming. Bluegills prefer warm, weedy ponds, sloughs and small lakes. They are often an important forage fish in association with largemouth bass. Spawning takes place in the summer when water temperatures reach seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Spawning patterns are similar to the other sunfish and black bass. Food of the bluegill is primarily aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and snails.

Angling Tips

Bluegill are easily caught with worms and small flies. Wyoming bluegills seldom exceed six inches.