Bluegill

What it looks like

• small, very deep-bodied fish
• back and sides are green to brown with faint, dark bars
• belly is silver to yellow
• black ear flap with no pale edge
• black spot at rear end of dorsal fin
• unnotched dorsal fin with 10 to 11 spines
• 3 anal fin spines
• small mouth – ends before the middle of the eye

Size

• length: 15-22.5 centimetres (6-9 inches)
• weight: 200 grams (0.4 pounds)
• Ontario record: 800 grams (1.8 pounds)

Similar fish

• Rock Bass
• Pumpkinseed
• part of the sunfish family

Where it's found

Range

• plentiful in many southern Ontario waters
• use Fish ON-Line, an interactive mapping tool, to find specific lakes and rivers

Habitat

Bluegill prefer:

• warmer lakes and ponds
• slow-moving, vegetated streams
• clear waters with some weed growth

Angling tips

• small fish form large, loose schools in shallow water near the shelter of weeds, docks, bridges or other cover
• bigger fish tend to stay by themselves, occasionally collecting in small groups
• feed all day
• easy to catch from shore and provide excellent action for children
• aggressive feeders, take bait readily and fight well on light tackle
• light line and small hooks work best
• try dangling live bait from a small bobber, fly-fishing, casting small lures, slow-trolling or drifting

Common baits

• small plugs, spinners or jigs
• live bait, like worms or insects
• add natural bait to an artificial lure to make it more appealing