Find Your Next Spot
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirusRafinesque, 1810
Identification
A deep, flattened panfish body with a dark spot at the back of the gill cover and vertical dark bars on olive-to-blue sides.
Where It's Found
Found in nearly every warm freshwater pond, lake, and slow river in the continental U.S., typically holding tight to docks, weed edges, and shallow cover.
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Fishing Notes
One of the best species for beginners — small hooks with worms or crickets under a bobber near cover produce fast, reliable action, especially during the spring spawn.
Scientific Classification▾
Family
Centrarchidae
Genus
Lepomis
Order
Centrarchiformes
Class
Actinopterygii
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia
Ready to go fishing?
Find a boat ramp near you and check state fishing regulations before you head out.
Photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons contributors.