• Characteristics - dark olive-green back and sides yellow or reddish below; dark vertical bars usually present on sides; chin and gill covers bright blue; black, flexible tip at rear of gill cover; seldom exceed 8 inches
• Distribution - statewide in nearly all waters
• Foods - aquatic insects, small fish, and crayfish
• State Record - 3 pounds, 2 ounces - Madison County farm pond, July 1986 - Phil Algreen, Earlham, Iowa
• Expert's Tip - use small hooks (#8) with a long shank when fishing with live bait for bluegill

For more bluegill information, see our printable pdf (126K) or Iowa Fish & Fishing.