Bluegill
The classic panfish — a small, deep-bodied sunfish stocked widely to give anglers, especially kids, an easy first catch.
- Scientific name
- Lepomis macrochirus
- Family
- Centrarchidae
- Adult size
- Usually 4–8 inches.
Identification
Round, flattened body, dark blue-black gill flap ('ear'), and a dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin.
Habitat
Weedy, shallow water in ponds and lakes; tolerant of warm, still conditions.
Diet
Insects, insect larvae, and small crustaceans.
Angling
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for Bluegill
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching Bluegill.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Where Bluegill is stocked
When Bluegill is stocked
Top Bluegill waters
Fort Peck Lake
16 species · 1842 records
Last stocked July 2025
Yellowstone River
16 species · 1781 records
Last stocked October 2010
Hauser Reservoir
10 species · 897 records
Last stocked April 2026
Salem Pond
UTAH County · 10 species · 789 records
Last stocked June 2026
Willow Park Pond
SALT LAKE County · 10 species · 769 records
Last stocked June 2026
Piute Reservoir
PIUTE County · 15 species · 741 records
Last stocked May 2026
Beaver Creek
13 species · 697 records
Last stocked June 2014
Hyrum Reservoir
CACHE County · 12 species · 682 records
Last stocked May 2026
Farmington City Reservoir
DAVIS County · 9 species · 628 records
Last stocked June 2026
Bountiful Pond
DAVIS County · 8 species · 617 records
Last stocked May 2026
Meadow Creek P
WEBER County · 12 species · 601 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Lake
UTAH County · 8 species · 540 records
Last stocked June 2026
Highland Glen Park P
UTAH County · 8 species · 466 records
Last stocked June 2026
Kaysville Stake Pond
DAVIS County · 9 species · 451 records
Last stocked May 2026
Jensen Nature Park Pond
DAVIS County · 12 species · 445 records
Last stocked June 2026
Midas Pond
SALT LAKE County · 8 species · 437 records
Last stocked June 2026
Quail Creek Reservoir
WASHINGTON County · 4 species · 428 records
Last stocked February 2026
Dailey Lake
11 species · 411 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kidney Pond
SALT LAKE County · 9 species · 394 records
Last stocked June 2026
Sandy Community Fishery
SALT LAKE County · 9 species · 374 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cove Pond
SALT LAKE County · 7 species · 371 records
Last stocked June 2026
Wellsville Reservoir
CACHE County · 8 species · 359 records
Last stocked June 2026
Steinaker Reservoir
UINTAH County · 6 species · 352 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mantua Reservoir
BOX ELDER County · 8 species · 350 records
Last stocked February 2026
Frequently asked
Where is Bluegill stocked?
Bluegill is stocked in 462 waters across 3 states: Montana, Utah, Washington.
When is Bluegill stocked?
Bluegill is typically stocked in fall, most often in October, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Bluegill are stocked?
About 3,436,595,022,617,750,500,000 Bluegill have been stocked on record since 1932, across Montana, Utah, Washington.
What size Bluegill are stocked?
Stocked Bluegill average about 2.4 inches, based on sizes reported by Montana, Utah — not every state reports sizes.
What does a Bluegill look like?
Round, flattened body, dark blue-black gill flap ('ear'), and a dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin.