Bluegill Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for bluegill.
- 2.02 lbstate record
- 141lakes rated
Photo: Scott Harden, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Bluegill in Texas
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a freshwater species in Texas. The Texas rod and reel record is 2.02 pounds from Lampasas River, set in 1999. TPWD rates 141 Texas lakes for this fish; 21 of them as excellent.
When and where to find bluegill in Texas
When
Spawns from about 70F; peaks May-June and continues until fall cooling
Where they hold
Nests in 1-2 ft of water, prefers gravel; Found throughout Texas
Bluegill facts from the TPWD species profile.
Best Texas lakes for bluegill
Texas lakes rated for bluegill, best rating first, then by size.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Excellent for bluegill; 181,600 acres in Shelby County and Sabine County.
See detailsCaddo Lake
Excellent for bluegill; 26,800 acres in Harrison County and Marion County.
See detailsLake Lavon
Excellent for bluegill; 21,400 acres in Collin County.
See detailsBois d'Arc Lake
Excellent for bluegill; 16,641 acres in Fannin County.
See detailsLake Tyler
Excellent for bluegill; 2,224 acres in Smith County.
See detailsLake Amon G. Carter
Excellent for bluegill; 1,848 acres in Montague County.
See detailsHouston County Lake
Excellent for bluegill; 1,330 acres in Houston County.
See detailsLake Weatherford
Excellent for bluegill; 1,158 acres in Parker County.
See detailsBonham City Lake
Excellent for bluegill; 1,020 acres in Fannin County.
See detailsLake Gonzales (H-4)
Excellent for bluegill; 696 acres in Gonzales County.
See detailsLake Naconiche
Excellent for bluegill; 692 acres in Nacogdoches County.
See detailsCoffee Mill Lake
Excellent for bluegill; 650 acres in Fannin County.
See detailsTexas limits for bluegill
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunfish (bluegill, redear, green, warmouth, longear) | No limit | No bag or length limit |
Bluegill limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for bluegill
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bow fishing | 1.65 | 12.5 | Canyon | 2007 |
| fly fishing | 2.02 | 12.5 | Lampasas River | 1999 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 2.02 | 12.5 | Lampasas River | 1999 |
Bluegill records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where TPWD stocks bluegill
- B. A. Steinhagen262,173 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Casa Blanca110,683 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- O. C. Fisher110,123 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Aquilla61,084 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Dunlap54,222 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Clyde44,899 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Fort Parker State Park44,817 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Lake Pat Cleburne42,268 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Placid22,263 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Ascarate17,308 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Woodson15,692 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Espada14,563 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Palo Duro Reservoir12,991 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Lake Kyle11,271 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Fryer8,936 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Llano Estacado Lake (AKA Canyon Lake Project %232)8,800 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Elkins Lake (Dalworthington Gardens)7,930 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Early Town Center7,102 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Bluegill stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Questions about bluegill in Texas
What is the Texas state record bluegill?
2.02 pounds, caught at Lampasas River in 1999, rod and reel all tackle.
What is the daily bag limit for bluegill in Texas?
No limit a day statewide.
Where is the best bluegill fishing in Texas?
TPWD rates Toledo Bend Reservoir, Caddo Lake, Lake Lavon and Bois d'Arc Lake excellent, among others.
When do bluegill spawn or bite best in Texas?
Spawns from about 70F; peaks May-June and continues until fall cooling.
Where do bluegill hold?
Nests in 1-2 ft of water, prefers gravel; Found throughout Texas.
Does TPWD stock bluegill?
Yes. The most stocked water from 2024 to 2026 was B. A. Steinhagen.
Do I need a license to fish for bluegill in Texas?
Yes. Anglers 17 and older targeting bluegill need a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What is the scientific name of bluegill?
Lepomis macrochirus.
Can I keep bluegill caught in a Texas state park?
Yes, under the same bluegill limits, and no license is needed inside the park.