Bluegill Details

• Water Type: freshwater
• Latin Name: Lepomis macrochirus
• Common Names: bream, blue bream,copperhead, copperbelly, blue sunfish, sun perch, roach
• Water Temp: 60- 69 degrees
• World Record: 4 pounds, 12 ounces, caught in Ketona Lake, Alabama, in 1950
• Last Modified By: blackstonecarp on 06/10/10 10:47 AM
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There is a lot of variation between bluegills due to a variety of genetic strains as well as possible hybridization between other sunfish. It is identifiable by its deep round body, dark vertical bars and black gill flaps. The breast is vivid red or yellow in breeding fish and large fish may have a coppery sheen on their head. Smaller fish in clear water may be almost colorless.

Also called Bream, Blue Bream, Blue Sunfish, Coppernose, and sunny -Blackstone Carp

The Bluegill is 1 of 4 species of Sunfish found in NH waters. It is not native to NH but is known now to occur in most lakes, ponds and rivers in central and southern NH. In addition to insects, crustaceans and small fish, it also consumes fish eggs and aquatic vegetation. It is considered to be a very tasty fish and is a favorite to fish for among children. They may be easily taken with worms, small fish, fish eggs, as well as many other baits and will also rise readily to fly and provide good sport on light tackle. The Bluegills of NH average between 5-9 inches, but may attain 12 inches and a weight of slightly over a pound. The NH state record for the bluegill is 11.25 inches and 2 pounds 0.64 ounce, taken out of Goodwin's Pond in Actworth, NH. in 1992.