Bluegill Fishing
The bluegill is one of the most sought after sunfish. They get the name from the blue coloring on its lower gill. They habit in ponds, streams, lakes, and rivers. What makes them fun is that they are pretty easy to catch. However, finding and landing a big one is quite the challenge.
These fish will feed throughout the day but the best time to go sunfish fishing is in the early morning and just before it gets dark. You can catch them any time of the year but many people only go sunfish fishing during spawning season.
Sunfish will spawn in the spring when the temperature reaches around 60 degrees. They may even spawn several times throughout the summer. However, it is more common for multiple spawns to occur in the south than the north. Especially around the time of a full moon.
Spawning time is when sunfish begin to move from the deeper water into the warming shallows. They are hungry and looking to build up their energy for the upcoming season. After a long winter they are so aggressive and will bite at anything. The key to fishing sunfish during spawning season is learning the different factors that effect water temperature.
The first factor is the temperature outside. Obviously in the south the water will warm up faster. Also, deeper water will take longer to warm up. The color of the bottom is another factor. Dark colors absorb heat and the darker mud/clay bottoms will warm faster. Look around your fishing area and you will easily be able to decide which spots of the lake are the warmest.
Where to Catch Bluegill - Tips
Found in the shallows in the spring, fall, and early winter. During the summertime check the deeper weedlines just out of any current. Shallow weedy bays are prime time spots for spawning. Emerged vegetation is also another good spawning area.
During spawning season look for objects in the water that are dark. They will be crowding around these areas for warmer water.
Good luck! The world record bluegill was caught in Ketona Lake, Alabama in 1950.
