Population Characteristics of Bluegill and Redear Sunfish in Kansas Impoundments (August 2018)

Bluegill are an important component of many aquatic ecosystems in Kansas and contribute to recreational fisheries both as a sport fish and as a baitfish (Steffen 2015). Although Bluegill are an abundant and ubiquitous resource throughout Kansas, anglers only ranked them as the 10th favorite species to catch in the 2013 Kansas Licensed Angler Survey. Additionally, they represent the 7th most fished for species in the same survey (Steffen 2015). Redear Sunfish are likely not differentiated from Bluegill by many Kansas anglers and probably represent a key component of catch and harvest by “sunfish” anglers. Reasons for the relative indifference toward sunfish by Kansas anglers are unknown, but a survey indicated that in general, Kansas Bluegill populations are not producing “trophy” Bluegill (i.e., 257 mm; Steffen, unpublished information) that are sought by anglers. Similarly, standardized sampling results suggest that relative abundance of Bluegill exceeding minimum size for sport harvest (174 mm; Steffen, unpublished information) has decreased since the mid-2000s. Although Kansas reservoir Bluegill and Redear Sunfish populations are routinely monitored with annual standard sampling via fall trap netting (Marteney 2010), a comprehensive evaluation of age and growth of Bluegill and Redear Sunfish was lacking. Additionally, there is interest in using restrictive regulations to improve Bluegill and Redear Sunfish populations. As such, the objective of this study was to estimate Bluegill and Redear Sunfish population parameters (e.g., growth and mortality) from 34 impoundments throughout Kansas. These data are summarized herein and will be used to further Bluegill and Redear Sunfish management in Kansas.