Hybrid Sunfish Introduced
🔬 Lepomis macrochirus x Lepomis cyanellus
A hybrid cross between a bluegill and a green sunfish. Body shape is intermediate between both parents, with blue backgrounds, chain-like patterns, dark green/brown foreground coloring, and yellow or orange undersides. Iridescent blue streaks appear below the eyes and on the jaw. Grows faster than either parent and is often sterile, making it popular for stocking ponds and small lakes.
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Best season
Spring, summer
Where to Catch Hybrid Sunfish in Michigan
| Lake | County | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Barlow Lake | ||
| Bear (Hardgrove) Lake | ||
| Bed Spring Lake | Marquette | |
| Bertha Lake | ||
|
Big Blue Lake
620 acres
|
Muskegon | |
| Big Lake | Allegan | |
| Bostwick Lake | ||
| Boyne River Impoundment | ||
| Bright Lake | Crawford | |
| Brownlee Lake | Alcona | |
| Cavanaugh Lake | ||
| Cedar Lake | Lapeer | |
| Center Lake | Osceola | |
| Chain Lakes | Iosco | |
| Clear Lake | Houghton | |
| Cool Lake | ||
| Cowan Lake | ||
|
Crooked Lake
650 acres
|
Emmet | |
|
Crystal Lake
9,854 acres
|
Benzie | |
| Dollar Lake |
Hybrid Sunfish Conservation Status
Introduced Hybrid Sunfish was introduced to Michigan and is now an established part of the fishery. Hybrid of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus). Commonly stocked in Michigan private ponds due to fast growth and aggressive feeding. Usually sterile so population stays manageable. Data sourced from Wikipedia (Greengill sunfish). CSV flag cleared.
Hybrid Sunfish Habitat & Behavior
Found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams where both parent species coexist. Tolerates a wide range of water conditions. In Michigan, commonly stocked in private ponds and managed lakes as a sport fish. Diet includes insects, arachnids, crayfish, and small fish. DNR records show Hybrid Sunfish present in 111 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Marquette, Alpena and Wayne counties.
Best Hybrid Sunfish Techniques
Light spinning gear, ultralight rods, small jigs, bobber rigs
Best Hybrid Sunfish Baits
Worms, crickets, small jigs, wax worms
Michigan DNR Hybrid Sunfish Stocking Records
Hybrid Sunfish Stocking Events by Lake
| Date | Lake | County | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
13 more recent stocking events available with Fishing Pro
See what's been stocked recently, including lake, quantity, and size.
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| Nov 8, 2022 | Shamrock Lake | Clare | 500 | 5.0" |
| Nov 3, 2022 | Big Blue Lake | Muskegon | 1,500 | 5.0" |
| Apr 19, 2022 | Wildfowl Lake | 750 | 5.0" | |
| Apr 19, 2022 | Lake Geneva | 750 | 5.0" | |
| Jul 6, 2021 | Wildfowl Lake | 600 | 6.0" | |
| Jul 6, 2021 | Lake Geneva | 600 | 6.0" | |
| Jun 17, 2021 | Whistlestop Park Pond | 300 | 4.0" | |
| Oct 24, 2020 | Pike Lake | Allegan | 200 | 5.0" |
| Oct 13, 2020 | Sage Lake | Ogemaw | 2,000 | 5.0" |
| Oct 22, 2019 | Long Lake | Alpena | 250 | 4.0" |
| Oct 18, 2019 | Rouge River | Wayne | 278 | 5.1" |
| Sep 30, 2019 | Lake Billings | 550 | 6.0" | |
Most valuable for Hybrid Sunfish anglers
See where Hybrid Sunfish will be stocked next
Full stocking history across all 111 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
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258
Historical stocking events
111
Lakes stocked
Oct
Next likely stocking window
Peak Stocking Months
Oct
May
Apr
Top Stocked Lakes
See the top 5 lakes most likely to be stocked with Hybrid Sunfish next season.
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Forecast based on historical DNR stocking patterns. Not a guarantee of future stocking. Verify with the Michigan DNR.
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