CommonNativeSecure
10
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus · Centrarchidae
Every angler's first fish. Still the best kids' catch in the state.
Common
6–9 in
Max
12 in
Weight
Up to 2 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When bluegill feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
PRIME85%feeding activity
First & last light · red worms
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
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DAWN
63
MORN
89
MIDD
86
AFTE
79
DUSK
30
NIGH
15
Diurnal · warm-water sun feeder
Solar + LunarMED-HIGH lunar pull
Major feeds7:59p – 9:59p5:10a – 7:10a
Minor feeds5:30a – 6:30a8:07p – 9:07p
Solunar window 8:14p – 9:44p
Full Moon
Day · Shallow bedding areas in spring. Full Moon concentrates spawning activity May–July. Target gravel flats in 1–4 ft.
Night · Less aggressive after dark; focus on pre-dawn and dusk windows within 3 days of Full Moon.
Habitat
PondsLakesRivers
Range
Any warm-water body in Arkansas.
Diet
Insects, larvae, tiny minnows, worms.
Best baits & lures
Red worms
Crickets
Tiny poppers
Ready-to-fish boxes for Bluegill
Gear up locallyPartner
Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Fish the bed colonies
Smaller hook than you think
Full moon = beds
Book a guidePartner
Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Male bluegills fan gravel beds in colonies of dozens — a circle of saucers six feet across. Find one and you have fish for hours.
Status
Secure
Native · Centrarchidae