Illinois State Fish: Bluegill

Scientific Name: Lepomis macrochirus

State Fish Description: The Bluegill is a member of the panfish family of fish and is often called a brim, bream, or sometimes a copper nose. The Blue is mostly green with a brighter orange underbelly and easily identified by a dark spot on backside of it's gill plate. Bluegill range in size from 4 inches up to 12 inches, with the largest Bluegill ever caught being 12 ounces.

Where It's Found: The Bluegill is found everywhere in North America and generally is found in shallow water in lakes, ponds, and rivers. The Bluegill is a freshwater fish that often can be found in weedy areas of lakes & ponds.

Illinois State Fish Dedication: 1986