SUNFISH

Chances are that any Sunfish you catch in Michigan will be a Bluegill, with Pumpkinseeds next. Bluegills are the second most commonly caught species in Michigan (after Yellow Perch). Bluegills come in a variety of colors, depending on size, sex and season, but usually have a blue-ish look on the body behind the head. Perhaps the best way to distinguish them from other Sunfish is that the opercle (gill flap) is flexible and easily bent forward. Pumpkinseeds have a stiff opercle, and are generally yellow, red and blue-green in body color.

The limit on Sunfish is a quantity of 25 in any combination of the following species; black and white crappies, bluegill, green and hybrid sunfish, longear, pumpkinseed, redear, rock bass and warmouth.
There is NO size restriction.

TIPS

Spawning season is one of the best times to fish for the members of this group, running from late-May to late June. At that time, they are found in the shallows, generally along weedy edges, and are easy to catch.

BAIT & TACKLE

The best hours to catch Sunfish are early morning and in the evening, although they can be caught any time of the day or night. During the early season, fly fishing with small popping bugs, rubber spiders or small nymph flies is an excellent method to catch Sunfish. Best colors for popping bugs are red and white combinations, yellow, yellow and black, black or black and white. Rubber spiders and nymph flies of black or brown colors generally work best. The fish are spooky at this time, so light leaders of not more than 5-pound test (4-pound or 2-pound are better) and of at least 7 to 9 feet are advised. In most instances, long casts are needed to catch the larger fish. Ultra-light spinning tackle with very small lures or a small bobber and worm also is effective.

During the hot months later in the season, the Sunfish will be in deeper water, and it may be necessary to fish as deep as 10 to 15 feet. Live baits for Sunfish include earthworms, grubs, crickets, grasshoppers, pieces of crayfish and leeches.

Because Sunfish generally nibble cautiously on the bait, the bobber should be small with a minimum of resistance. Cane poles of 12 to 14 feet, spinning rods in the medium light or ultra-light class, and No. 5 or No. 6 fly rods are the best.

PUMPKINSEED BLUEGILL

Page last updated on 01/26/2003

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