Bluegills live approximately 8-12 years. They can spawn at 4” and will carry about 1000 eggs at that size. A one-pound bluegill could carry as many as 50,000 eggs. Spawning occurs when water temperatures approach 70 degrees and they can spawn intermittently through late August. The male bluegill builds a nest for the female to deposit the eggs and he remains there to guard the nest. The gently fanning of the male bluegills tail provides the eggs with the fresh water and oxygen that is needed for a successful hatch. Young bluegills rarely grow bigger than 2” in their first growing season. This make them excellent forage for most other larger fish during that first summer of their life.