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Bluegill

Bluegill

Bluegill are one of Wisconsin's most abundant and popular panfish, found in all three drainage basins - Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, and Lake Superior.

Originally absent from the Lake Superior basin, stocking programs have established reproducing populations throughout the state.

Scientific Name: Lepomis macrochirus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These compressed, disc-shaped fish average 5-7 inches but can reach up to 9 inches and weigh over a pound under excellent conditions.
  • Wisconsin's state record is a 2-pound, 9.8-ounce fish caught from Green Bay in 1995.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Commonly found in lakes, ponds, swamps, and slow-moving stream areas - notably absent from cold trout streams.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include the Madison Chain lakes (Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa), Lake Winnebago, Devils Lake, Fish and Crystal Lakes near Roxbury, and Gallus Slough north of Sauk City.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with fallen trees, aquatic plants, docks, transition zones between hard and soft bottoms, and weed edges.
  • They often congregate around aquatic vegetation, submerged brush, fallen trees, and docks.

Bluegill FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bluegill in Wisconsin?

Garden worms are the top bait choice, but bluegill readily take small insects, insect larvae, grubs, and invertebrates. Effective artificial lures include small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) with 1-2 inch grubs in chartreuse or other bright colors, tiny spinners, small crankbaits, and hair jigs.

What flies work for Bluegill in Wisconsin?

Poppers work exceptionally well in spring and early summer when fish are in shallow water, along with woolly buggers, foam spiders, and Royal Coachman patterns in sizes 8-10.

When is the best time to fish for Bluegill in Wisconsin?

Spring offers the best bluegill fishing, particularly after spawning. Summer fishing is most productive in 5-15 feet of water. Winter ice fishing in weed beds produces excellent results.

How do you catch Bluegill in Wisconsin?

Use bobbers since bluegill suck in rather than strike prey. Ice fishing tactics include fishing among weeds in deeper water. During late spring and summer when insects are emerging, bluegill will feed on the surface.

What do Bluegill eat?

Their diet includes algae, aquatic vegetation, zooplankton, insect larvae, insects, fish e.g.gs, small fish, crayfish, and snails. Bluegill are sight-feeders that consume up to 35% of their body weight weekly in summer, dropping to just 1% in winter.

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