Crisscrossed by lakes and rivers, the Prairie State is one of the best places to fish in the Midwest. The state boasts a mind-boggling number of fish, and a whole host of pristine waters to catch them in. With hundreds of exciting species about, singling out one as the Illinois state fish seems like a tall order for any angler.
That’s probably why it wasn’t anglers or even regulators that chose the state fish of Illinois. That task fell on the local school kids. In 1986, Illinois’ youngsters made their pick and, by all accounts, they couldn’t have chosen a more worthy champion. The honor went to the Bluegill, a fish prized for its fighting prowess, as well as its delicious taste.
Today, we’re going to show you what makes this critter so deserving of such recognition.
Punching Above Their Weight
A member of the Sunfish family, the Bluegill isn’t what you’d call a giant fish. Bluegills typically top out around 2.5 pounds, and rarely grow past 9 inches. But don’t let that trick you into thinking that these guys are some kind of pushovers. Despite their small stature, Bluegill are some of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish you’ll find.
These are aggressive feeders which can make even an experienced angler’s heart jump. Combine that with the fact that they taste awesome, and you’ll see why these fish are one of the favorite catches in the whole Midwest.
An Unbeatable Record?
They say that an 8″ Bluegill is a good catch. A 9-incher will typically weigh around 2.6 pounds, worthy of some serious bragging rights. Anything over 10 inches, or 3 pounds, is considered a trophy. But the largest Bluegill ever recorded in Illinois was way bigger than that. Caught in 1987 in a farm pond in Jasper County, this whopper weighed in at an impressive 3 pounds, 8 ounces!
Where to Find Bluegill in Illinois
Most Bluegills live in clear lakes and ponds, typically where there’s a lot of natural vegetation. That said, you can also find them in streams and even rivers. They’re abundant pretty much throughout the state, meaning that you’re never too far away from a good angling match.
Some of the best spots to catch Bluegill include Lakes Clinton, Rend, and Shelbyville. If you’re looking to mix it up and wet your line in multiple lakes, check out the stunning Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area.
If you’re more into winging it, we say, “Why not?!” Bluegills are so widespread across Illinois that wrestling one is always a possibility, no matter where you are. Win the battle, and you’ve got yourself a delicious dinner to take back home.
And now, let’s hear from you. What’s your favorite thing about the state fish of Illinois? Any Bluegill fishing tales you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below.
