
Chinstrap (Light Blue): A visual indicator that is present at times, some bluegill will carry a “chinstrap” that is light blue.Age, location, water condition, and a variety of other factors can determine how dark or pronounced these stripes are. Vertical Bars on the Side of a Bluegill’s Body: While the number will vary, bluegill will generally have between 5 and 9 vertical bars on the sides of their bodies.Most will have a dark coloring on their chins and the sides of their heads. Color of the Head: Bluegill are located across the entire country and will, by nature, see different patterns of coloration.Below are some helpful pointers, however, that can help you identify a bluegill. If you catch enough of these, you will eventually be able to tell the difference. They may actually be catching a similar sunfish species like a pumpkinseed, green sunfish, warmouth, or orangespotted sunfish, or redear sunfish. Many anglers catch what they believe to be a bluegill every day. Knowing Your Sunfish: How to Identify Different Species What Does a Bluegill Look Like? Blue (photo via toyohara/Flickr) While it has a similar shape, size, coloration, and feeding pattern as these other species, the bluegill has many distinct qualities and characteristics that set it apart. The species we call bluegill, however, is often confused for some of the twelve other species that fall under the Lepomis genus.


No matter what you call them, it is undeniable that bluegill are perhaps the most widely-caught freshwater species among youth and beginning anglers. Savvy or biologically-sound anglers might tell you that the species is known as Lepomis macrochirus. Others might suggest they are one of several panfish or sunfish specie s. Some might consider the bluegill a small baitfish. When asking the question what is a bluegill, there are numerous approaches we can explore. If you are planning to fish for bluegill for the first time, or are simply looking for additional information on this incredibly popular fish, then this complete fishing guide is an excellent place to start! What is a Bluegill? Photo of an adult bluegill (via They are also among the most popular to eat. Small, but feisty, they are one of the easiest species to catch for a variety of reasons. Each year, hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of bluegill are caught in the United States. Bluegill: The Complete Fishing Guideīluegill are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the world. Please see our Affiliate Disclosure for more information. Articles on Premier Angler may contain affiliate links.
