Bluegill
(also known as Bluegill sunfish, Bream)
SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Lepomis macrochirus
Bluegill occur throughout the state in nearly every stream and water body. Their preferred habitat is clear, warm lakes with some rooted vegetation.
A bluegill is a deep slab-sided fish with a small mouth and a long pectoral fin. Colors vary, but the ear flap is always black and bluegills often have a black blotch near the back of the soft dorsal fin.
In well managed waters with good habitat, bluegill frequently reach 7 to 10 inches. However, bluegill vary in size from one water body to the next and can become overcrowded. When they are overcrowded most will remain less than 5 inches in length. The state record bluegill weighs 3 lbs., 4.5 oz., and was 12.75 inches long.