Size Structure Comparison of Bluegill in Lakes With and Without Special Regulations

Authors

• Jenna Lawin

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Lots of individuals have mixed feelings about special regulations for all sorts of game fish species such as northern pike Esox lucius, crappie Pomoxis spp., sunfish Lepomis spp., and so on. One species commonly sought after by many is bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. Bluegill are often deemed easy to find, catch, and clean. This study looks at three different categories of lakes (all lakes contain bluegill populations). The three categories are lakes with a five sunfish limit, lakes with a ten sunfish limit, and lakes without any special regulations. This study provides valuable insight into the size structures of bluegill populations in ninety different Minnesota lakes. The observed differences in bluegill size structure in various lakes highlight the importance of considering the possibility of more implementation of special regulations for additional lakes statewide. There is an upward trend regarding bluegill weights after the five sunfish limit regulations were enacted. Weights from surveys after special regulation implementation increased for both the five and the ten sunfish limit. For the five sunfish limit, average weights increased by 0.05 lbs (P = 0.025) and CPUE (catch per unit effort) decreased from 24.3 to 14.61. For the ten sunfish limit, average weights increased by 0.04 lbs (P = 0.053) after special regulation implementation. The CPUE also decreased from 23.5 to 17.76. It is hypothesized that the ten sunfish limit regulations take significantly longer to portray their efficacy. Understanding the results illustrating bluegill size structures and special regulation efficacy can be important for informing management decisions and looking at implications of fisheries management in general.

Publication Date

2026

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Lawin, Jenna, "Size Structure Comparison of Bluegill in Lakes With and Without Special Regulations" (2026). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 100.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/100