SEASONAL CHANGES

The bluegill is a prolific breeder, laying almost 10000 eggs. Spawning begins in June in shallow water one foot to three feet deep. The process starts in nests built on the north and northwest shores of a lake since these areas receive the most early season sun. Later spawning occurs further from shore as the water warms.

After the eggs are hatched, the fish move into heavy weed cover to take advantage of food supply and the protection provided. As fish mature, they feed increasingly on a variety of food, including snails, small crayfish, insects, small minnows, and plankton. Family groups tend to remain together as a school, sometimes joining other family schools. They are least active during the middle of the day, feeding primarily in the early morning and again in the late afternoon and evening.

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