Description
Non-native. Introduced in 1932. The bluegill has blue coloring on the chin,
a solid black opercle flap, a small mouth and a dark spot at the rear
of the dorsal fin. The body is very compressed or flat and has from
five to nine dark vertical bars on the sides. Length: 4 to 13 inches.
Weight: 3 ounces to over 3 pounds.
Location and
Habitat
Bluegill are found in most reservoirs or ponds below 4,000 feet elevation
and rarely occur in streams and rivers. They are prone to stunting and
large populations of tiny bluegill are common.
Food
Insects are the favored food but bluegill will take worms, snails and small
fish.
Angling
Bluegill will eat anything they can get into their mouth. Worms are an
anglers favorite bait, but bluegill will take, small poppers, flies, small
spinners and jigs. Bluegill are gregarious, so when you catch one, there
are usually more in the same place.
Table
Quality
The meat is white, flaky, firm and sweet. Many consider the bluegill to
be one of the finest tasting freshwater fish available.
