Vivid Gold Blue Gill Coloration

[Gary Hoetker]

I have a 1/4 acre farm pond at my ranch in the foothills outside Bakersfield, CA. I was there this past weekend and made a few casts. I caught a very large bluegill or possibly a redear. Its entire body was colored in a vibrant gold hue and had none of typical coloration found in males at this time of the pre-spawning season i.e .vivid orange belly. I haven't caught a sunfish there in the past that comes close to it.  Any thoughts or comments? And thank you.

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

This fish might be a possibility......large population in Mexico as well..........

[John Sheehan]

I'm inquisitive Gary ! Shame no pic to help ID! Jeffrey is that a Longear Sunfish, sometimes called Pumpkinseed in certain areas of the Country?

What we call Pumpkinseed in NJ is this :  

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Yes John........it is a longear that was caught in Mexico near California......just thought it might be possible.......