Bluegill Habitat – Temperature, Depth, Structure, Clarity

Bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) are a member of the sunfish family, native to Eastern North America and are found in NYS. Other common catches that can easily be confused with Bluegills include redears, pumpkinseeds and warmouth. Largemouth bass and crappie are other common types of sunfish.

Appearance

Bluegill are easily recognizable, common characteristics include:  

  • olive green bodies with blue-gray opercular flap
  • yellow or orange fins
  • a distinct black spot at the base of their dorsal fin
  • some males feature a prominent reddish-orange patch on the throat or breast
  • dark olive green markings located near the gill cover. 

The average length of an adult bluegill ranges from 4 to 12 inches, occasionally getting up to 17 inches long. They typically weigh between 0.4 and 1 pound, although larger bluegills may reach up to 3 pounds. Bluegills are popular gamefish due to their large population and size. Catching sunfish makes for enjoyable freshwater fishing for fishing enthusiasts of all ages – especially kids.

man holding a bluegill

Habitat – Shallow, Warm, Vegetation, Clarity

The ideal habitat for bluegill is typically shallow, warm, with a lot of vegetation. Ideal water temperatures should range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with depths up to 6 feet. Clear water is preferred, as the fish will easily see their prey and be more likely to take a bait or lure.

Aquatic plants like lily pads, grasses, and other shallow-water vegetation provide good hiding spots for bluegill.

Cover is important, as Bluegills will seek out logs, rocks, and overhanging branches to take refuge from predators.1

Bluegill Spawning Behaviors

Bluegill spawning behavior in NY typically takes place from late May through July.  Bluegill spawning temperature is typically about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

During this time, the female will lay her eggs in shallow water (usually 3 feet or less) near submerged vegetation. The male bluegill then fertilizes the eggs and guards them until they hatch a few days later.

During the spawning months, these sunfish spawn every 20-30 days. Female bluegill can produce up to 60,000 eggs at a time depending on their age and size. The entire colony spawns on the same day. The process takes roughly  6-12 hours. One nest is usually between 8″and 12″ in diameter.

5 of the best freshwater fishing locations for Bluegill in New York

Bluegills are plentiful across New York, with many popular lakes and rivers providing a great opportunity for anglers to target this species. Some of the best bluegill fishing in the state can be found in the following lakes.

1. Lake George: Situated in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Lake George is known for its abundance of bluegill. The lake has an average depth of 120 feet, with some areas reaching depths up to 200 feet. Lake George has plenty of aquatic vegetation and cover in the shallower parts of the lake.

2. Lake Ontario: Lake Ontario offers excellent bluegill fishing opportunities throughout the year. With plenty of aquatic vegetation, such as lily pads and grasses, and many rocky bays and structures along the shoreline for the bluegills to take refuge, Lake Ontario is an ideal habitat for these sunfish.

3. Oneida Lake: This lake contains an abundance of bluegill. It has depths reaching up to 30 feet, with plenty of vegetation and cover for bluegill along the shore.

4. Lake Champlain: Located along the border of Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain (a.k.a the Sixth Great Lake)  offers excellent fishing opportunities for both largemouth bass and bluegill. The lake has depths up to 400 feet and plenty of aquatic vegetation, making it an ideal inhabit for bluegill.

5. Seneca Lake: This Finger Lake is one of the deepest in the entire state, with depths reaching up to 618 feet! It also offers a variety of structures, cover, and vegetation in shallower areas that makes it ideal for bluegill fishing. The lake is filled with plenty of these fish and can be an excellent spot to visit for a fishing trip.

Natural Prey and Food Sources

The natural prey and food sources for bluegill in New York include aquatic invertebrates such as insects, larvae, and plankton. They can also feed on small fish such as minnows or shad.

5 Live Bait for Bluegill

There are many bait options for fishermen looking to catch these sunfish.

1. Crickets – These small insects are a great bait for bluegill, the movement of the cricket along the surface of the water draws the attention of the fish and make them strike.

2. Grasshoppers – These larger insects are great for catching larger sunfish due to their size and ability to move quickly underwater.

3. Earthworms – These worms are a good natural bait for bluegill, they attract both larger and smaller sunfish.

4. Grubs – These thick-bodied larvae are great for bluegills because they move slowly underwater, allowing the fish to see them easily.

5. Waxworms – These are small larvae that make great live bait for bluegill, they move quickly along the surface of the water and provide enough movement to attract attention.

Top 5 Lures for Bluegill

1. Jigs – These small lures are a great choice, as they provide plenty of movement and vibration to draw attention of bluegill.

2. Spinners – Spinners are a classic lure for bluegill fishing. They can be easily manipulated to imitate the movements of small prey fish.

3. Crankbaits – These lures are designed to mimic small baitfish.

4. Soft Plastics – Small worms and grubs made from soft plastics are excellent for bluegills. They provide plenty of movement and vibration.

5. Flies – Small flies such as nymphs can be very effective for bluegill, as they simulate the natural prey these fish feed on.

Bluegill Fishing Tips

Bluegill fishing is a popular activity in New York State. To enjoy a successful day of bluegill fishing, anglers should use the right techniques and gear. The following tips should help if you find fishing slow.

  • Location Matters. For the Best Fishing, stick to the shorelines in ponds, lakes and streams.
  • Move around, be on the lookout for new spots. 
  • Change up your bait if the fish aren’t biting.
  • Use the right gear
    • Lightweight spinning rods and reels
    • Line in the 4-6 pound test range
    • Use small lures or bait. Larger bait may attract other many species in addition to panfish such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and white perch.

man on a boat holding a panfish

Bluegill Regulations

In New York State, anglers are required to follow regulations for bluegill fishing put in place by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The creel limit is 25 fish per day, with no size limit – and bluegills are open season all year round. This means that anglers can enjoy fishing for bluegills throughout the entire year. The large daily limit makes for a fun and exciting day-long fishing adventure for anglers of all ages. Just don’t forget your fishing license.

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