Utah's game fish: Bluegill

Description

The bluegill is one of the most colorful fish in Utah waters. Colors may range from light to dark blue and sometimes, in older fish, bright purple. Other colors appearing on the fish may be olive-green, yellow, bright orange, copper or brown. An area behind the gills is often a bright orange or yellow. Color variations are a results of genetic strains and, in some cases, hybridization with other sunfish species. Also look for dark vertical bars and black flap at the end of the gill cover. Sometimes, young bluegill, raised in clear water, are almost colorless. This fish, too, has sharp spines that can cause pain when grabbed.

Characteristics

The bluegill goes by a number of unusual names, including bream, blue bream, blue sunfish, coppernose and sunny. A native to the East and South, it has been widely transplanted, even more so than the largemouth bass. They are now found in most of the lower 48 and Hawaii, and on up into southeastern Canada. It is not a large fish, but at one time Utah was recognized as having some of the largest in the country in a small lake near Vernal called Pelican Lake. Most fish caught are under a pound, and those over a pound are prize catches. Those caught in Pelican in the late 1980s and early 1990s were commonly close to two pounds. Considering its size, it is known for its fight, especially for those fishing with light tackle. Because of its willingness to take worms it has become very popular with younger fishermen. It was first introduced into Utah in 1890 with a mixed group of sunfish that were planted in the Weber River and Utah Lake. The world record is 4 pounds, 12 ounces. The Utah record is 2 pounds, 7 ounces and was caught in Mantua Reservoir in 1993. Bluegill do well in lakes and ponds with clean water, especially those with bottoms of sand and gravel. They like to hang around vegetation, but will venture out into deeper water on occasion. On the dining menu, they are considered an excellent meal.

Location