Pumpkinseed — Michigan Fishing
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Pumpkinseed Native

🔬 Lepomis gibbosus

One of Michigan's most colorful fish ÔÇö brilliant orange, blue, and green markings. Common in weedy shallows alongside bluegill. Easy to catch, great for beginners.

0.2-0.5 lb, 5-8 inches
Typical size
1 lb 7 oz
Michigan record
Spring, Summer
Best season
33
Listed lakes

🛡 Conservation Status

Native Common panfish in weedy bays statewide. Often found alongside bluegill with no population concerns.

🌿 Habitat & Behavior

Shallow, weedy bays and dock edges. Often found mixed with bluegill in similar habitat across Michigan.

🎣 Best Techniques

Small worms, crickets, tiny jigs near docks and weed edges ÔÇö same approach as bluegill

🌊 Where to Catch in Michigan

Lake County Population Notes
Big Blue Lake
620 acres
Muskegon Good
Burt Lake
17,120 acres
Cheboygan Good
Cass Lake
1,280 acres
Oakland Good
Charlevoix Lake
17,260 acres
Charlevoix Good
Crystal Lake
9,854 acres
Benzie Good
Duck Lake
490 acres
Muskegon Good
Fremont Lake
1,700 acres
Newaygo Good
Gull Lake
2,030 acres
Kalamazoo Good
Gun Lake
2,680 acres
Barry Good
Gun Lake
665 acres
Allegan Good
Hamlin Lake
5,000 acres
Mason Good
Higgins Lake
9,600 acres
Roscommon Good
Houghton Lake
20,044 acres
Roscommon Good
Lake Cadillac
1,141 acres
Wexford Good
Lake Columbia
821 acres
Jackson Good
Lake Fenton
937 acres
Genesee Good
Lake Mitchell
2,580 acres
Wexford Good
Lake St. Helen
2,600 acres
Roscommon Good
Lower Pettibone Lake Oakland Good
Maceday Lake Oakland Good

📦 DNR Stocking History

Total stocked: 8,142
Stocking events: 11
Peak year: 2012 (4,816)


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