Early summer is sunfish season for me. Fished Stillhouse with my better half Sunday morning. With the water being ~14' higher than it was at this time last year it took a little while to locate the little rascals. They are definitely on beds in the middle third of the lake. Both colonies we located were in ~7' of water. One off a main lake point, the other in a protected cut, both very close to deep water. The colonies were very compact, no bigger than my 17' boat, and you had to throw into the colony to get bit. A couple of feet to far left or right and it was a wasted cast. We kept 19 between 7" and 9". And 1 that was 9 1/2" that my wife cajoled me into keeping. We release another 9.5" and a 10" and a whole bunch that were under 7". We were catching redear and bluegill off the same beds and to me some of the fish show signs of hybridization.
I have set my personal length restrictions between 7 and 9. This photo of a 7", 7.5", 8" and a 9" all together demonstrates why I settled on those sizes. Just look at what happens when these fish are allowed to reach maturity.
I included the one on the bottom left hoping someone would have an explanation for the red eyes? There were three like that.
Here is a couple of pictures of the 10" fish. Is it a hybrid or pure bluegill? It lacks the red on the ear flap so I don't think it's a pure redear but I am not as well schooled in identification as some of you guys.
Sorry but the pictures of the wife's 9.5" redear are in her phone. It was a pure redear for sure.
Super nice fish...Totally agree with you about throwing the big girls back. Just a guess, but the ones with the red eyes are probably drinkin buddies & had a rough night...just sayin
Great post, glad you found some good eaters. What were you using for bait?
Originally Posted by Laker One
Stillhouse House Hollow is on my radar screen. Nice post and fish.
Side Note: How is the lake for kayak fishing?
Its a great lake for kayaking, but with its length, you really need to decide which portion of the lake you would like to fish, or it will be a very long paddle.
My success in life is measured by the number of hunting and fishing stories that my kids can share with others