How To Catch Bluegills

Catching Bluegills is easy and fun, but the techniques and strategies change for each season; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Here I will give you the best techniques that work for me.

Catching Bluegills In The Spring

The best method for catching bluegills in the Spring, third week of May through the second week of June, is by using a fly rod. During this time the Bluegills are feeding and spawning in shallow water (4 inches to 2 feet). By using a dry fly you will catch more Bluegills than anyone else on the lake and their size will surprise you. Look tight on the shorelines and in the bays.

Catching Bluegills In The Summer

In the summer I will use a fly rod early in the morning and late in the evening on the outer weed-line just off the drop-off, but the best method is by using a small jig with a flashabou skirt 2.5 feet behind a bobber. I also use a crappie jig, which will pick up large Bluegills and Crappies. On the the Crappie Jig I will not use any bait and on the Bluegill Jig I will use a power bait or wax worm.

Catching Bluegills In The Fall

Fall fishing is best with a bobber, but with a spin casting rod or a cane pole? If the lake is a shallow lake then you use a spin casing pole with 3 feet of line behind a bobber. But on deep lakes find the drop-off and use a cane pole with Crickets, what a blast bring those Bluegills up from deep water (6ft to 8ft deep). Worms and power bait will work as well, but Crickets and large Black Ants work great. This time of the year the Crappies also get very aggressive so keep using those Crappie Jigs.

Catching Bluegills In The Winter – Ice Fishing

Ice-Fishing for Bluegills is also fun, using a small 2.5 foot light rod with a spring tip or small bobber. Then sitting the hook and getting a great fight that you have to pull through a small hole in the ice. Here I use different colors of jigs called tear drops baited with a wax worm or corn bores. Look for the narrows or the shallow ends of the lake, 6 feet to 8 foot of water.