Bluegill are a type of sunfish that can be found in many lakes and ponds throughout the United States. They are a popular game fish because they are easy to catch and put up a good fight. They can be identified by their deep blue coloring, hence their name. They get their other common name, bream, from their tendency to bed down in large numbers during spawning season. In this post, we’ll tell you how to find these beds so you can go out and catch some big bluegill!
How To Find Bluegill Beds
Bluegills tend to bed down in shallower water, typically less than 6 feet deep. They will also often bed near structure such as logs, rocks, or plants. If you’re fishing in a lake or pond, look for these areas and you’ll likely find some bluegill beds. A useful tool to have is a pair of polarized glasses. This will help you see through the water and find Bluegill beds
What Do Bluegill Beds Look Like?
When bluegills bed down, they will often create a small bowl-shaped depression in the sand or gravel. This is where the female bluegill will lay her eggs. You might also see some male bluegills nearby, guarding the eggs. The beds can range in size from just a few inches across to several feet across.
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What Time of Year Do Bluegills Bed?
Bluegills typically bed down in late spring or early summer when the water temperatures start to rise. This is also when they are spawning, or reproducing.
Where Can I Find Bluegill Beds?
Bluegills typically bed down in shallower water, typically less than 6 feet deep like similar panfish. They will also often bed near structure such as logs, rocks, or plants. If you’re fishing in a lake or pond, look for these areas and you’ll likely find some bluegill beds.
How Long Do Bluegill Stay On Beds?
After the eggs are laid, the bluegills will remain on the beds for a few days to a week to protect them. Once the eggs hatch, the bluegills will move on and the beds will be abandoned.
Do Bluegill Beds Every Full Moon?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some fishermen believe that the bluegills will bed down every full moon, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. It is more likely that the bluegills will bed down when the water temperatures start to rise in late spring or early summer. This is also when they are spawning
When Time of Year Do Bluegill Spawn?
Bluegills spawn anytime from May to October depending on where you are in the United States. Water temperature is the biggest factor in determining when they begin to make their beds and lay their eggs.
What Water Temperature Do Bluegill Spawn?
Bluegills spawn when the water temperature hits anywhere between 67 – 80º F. This is the ideal temperature for bluegill eggs to survive and hatch bluegill fry.
How Many Eggs Do Bluegills Lay?
A healthy female Bluegill can lay anywhere between 10,000–60,000 eggs depending on her size and age.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to find bluegill beds, go out and give it a try! These fish are a blast to catch and make for some great eating. Good luck!
