Fishing for Bluegill

Photo: courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

Bluegill are found in lakes and ponds all over Missouri, and can provide a fun filled day of fishing whether your eight or eighty.  These feisty little fish can reach 9.5 inches in length, weigh up to 12 ounces, sometimes more (Missouri state record is 3lbs) , and put up one heck of a fight.  You can catch bluegill year round, but in Missouri the best action in usually in May.  During May the when water temperatures rise into the seventies the bluegill will begin spawning and the bite becomes fast and furious. 

Like other fish water clarity determines spawning depth, if the water is murky look for bluegill in12- 24 inches of water and if  it's clear look for bluegill at depths of  3-6 feet.  Often times finding bluegill in clear water is easier, simply look for them swimming around and cast a worm under a bobber or a 1/32 ounce jig from a distance so you don't spook them.  In murky water you will have to search a bit more, but a worm under a bobber in shallow water should get you on them pretty fast.

After the spawn Bluegill will be looking for food and holding near cover.  Cast near brush piles and weed beds along shorelines with a worm under a small bobber just off the bottom.  Later in the summer bluegill will  move to deeper water, often more than 10 feet deep.  Fishing in the early morning or in the evening  produces the best results.

Small tackle is the key to catching bluegill.  An ultra light rod and reel, with 2-6lb test line will allow you to feel the bite better, and provides exciting rod bending action.  A Bluegill's mouth is small so stick with small hooks, a size 6-10 hook is recommended. Be sure to take along a pair of needle nose pliers to make it easier when getting the small hooks out.  If your a fly fisherman catching bluegill on fly rods is a great way to practice your technique and have a fun day on the water.

Bluegill fishing is a great opportunity to get kids involved in fishing, the fast action will hold their attention better than any other type of fishing.  Make it memorable by taking pictures of kids with the biggest bluegill, take care not to keep them out of the water too long if you.  Take some home for a tasty dinner or release them so you can catch them another day.