Sunfish Fishing in Massachusetts for Bluegills, White Perch, Yellow Perch and Other MA Panfish.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout Massachusetts and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, crustaceans, insects and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Sunfish Fishing Lakes In Massachusetts

Panfish, sunfish, bluegills and perch are available in most waters throughout the state. Private ponds with little fishing pressure often serve up the state record panfish. However the larger populations can be found in major lakes including Assawompset Pond, Cheshire Reservoir, Congamond Lake, Hamilton Reservoir, Lake Chaubunagungamaug, Lake Cochituate, Lake Garfield, Lake Rohunta, Lake Quinsigamond, Long Pond, Norton Reservoir, Otis Reservoir, Quabbin Reservoir, South Watuppa Pond and Wachusett Reservoir.

The MA state record sunfish was caught in South Athol Pond, the state record white perch came from Wachusett Reservoir and the state record yellow perch from South Watuppa Pond.

Panfish are prolific spawners and repopulate the waters as fast as they are harvested. A common problem with panfish fishing is that the waters are under-fished causing panfish to overpopulate. As a result they tend to stay small in size due to lack of food source.

The list of panfish is comprised of many fishes each called by a variety of names. The bluegill tops the list and is the most common.

Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus

Other local jargon names for the bluegill include common yellow perch, sunfish, red-breasted bream, red-spotted sunfish, long-eared sunfish, white bass as well as a host of variations and cross breeds. These fish tend to run in schools and congregate near their food supply. Panfish can be found in depths of 35 feet or more but are more commonly found in one to ten feet depths depending on time of day and weather conditions.

Check for Massachusetts bluegill fishing articles in the articles section.

Crappie are also considered panfish. For details on crappie visit our crappie fishing section.

White Perch
Morone americana
USA Record: 4.6 lbs
The white perch is named for its color which ig generally white or silver with shades of adaptive color from its environment to help it hide from predators. They are a good tasting fish and are even fished commercially. They are quite prolific and can be considered a nuisance in some waters. They prefer water temperatures from 62 to 70 degrees. Also known as perch, silver perch, perch and grey perch. White perch make a great fish fry with nice filets coming from ones approaching a pound. Use light tackle to fish for white perch. For bait, use worms, minnows, jigs, spoons and small lures imitating baitfish.

Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
USA Record: 3.75 lbs
Possibly the best tasting of all the panfish, yellow perch are a favorite for fish frys. They are generally yellow, to gold, to brown in color and most often lighter shades of these colors. Dark vertical bands decorate their sides. They average about a third of a pound and 6 inches long, many larger ones are often caught as well. They are often mis-named as perch, rock perch and many others. Their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, onsects and worms. Yellow perch prefer water temperatures from 66 to 70 degrees but remain active in temperatures outside this range. They are fun to catch on ultralight tackle and can be caught year round. They are a favorite of many ice fishing enthusiasts. Use worms, minnows, small jigs. spinners or cut bait.

For general information on local fishing visit the Massachusetts Fishing home page.

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MA Sunfish Fishing - All About Fishing for Bluegill & Other Panfish in Massachusetts.

4 lbs - 12 oz

2 lbs - 1 oz

60 - 85 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with little or no current. Survives in most warm bodies of water.