I have made crosses involving Northern Bluegill with both Redear and Pumpkinseed; a lot of them over the years. Color pattern on flanks show spotting and opercula show radiating lines, both characters of Pumpkinseed which the Redear lacks. If Pumpkinseed are rare, then that sets the stage for hybrids involving it. Somebody does not have a good handle on what species are present in the lake.
