4 Fly Patterns you can use Fly Fishing for Bluegill

If you want to experience all kinds of fun with a fly rod, pick up a 4 or 5 weight and try fly fishing for bluegill in a freshwater lake or pond. Bluegill is one warm water panfish species that, given its modest size, can put up a rather spunky fight. During  late spring and summer months that coincide with insect hatches, you'll find it worth your time to start selecting  bluegill flies so you are ready to catch a few and have fun.

If you're wondering about the best bluegill flies to use, consider these popular panfish patterns:

1. Small Floating Popper Fly Pattern

When tying bluegill flies, size 10 or 8 hooks are typically best. You can paint them in a variety of colors such as chartreuse, blue, and yellow to see which colors seem to produce the most strikes in different water conditions. Use rubber legs and a hackle tail.

2. Woolly Bugger Fly Pattern

One of the best things about the Woolly Bugger fly fishing pattern is that you can make modifications to the size and color of this pattern and use it almost anywhere in the world. In fact, a size 10 or 8 Woolly Bugger in olive or black can be just the ticket when it comes to enticing stubborn bluegill to bite beneath the surface.

3. Foam Spider Fly Pattern

Try fly fishing for bluegill using a black, gray, or brown foam spider fly in areas near shoreline brush piles or vegetation. This is one of the easiest flies you can use. All you have to do is cast it out into the spots where bluegill are feeding and let it sit until you get a strike.

4. Royal Coachman Fly Pattern

While this classic pattern is most often used for trout, the Royal Coachman shouldn't be left off any list of productive bluegill flies either. During summer insect hatches, a Royal Coachman can often beat any of the best bluegill fishing lures. This Fly fishing pattern can be stripped or drifted in the current. Experiment to see which technique works best.

Now that you know about four good bluegill flies to try, learn where to find bluegill when pond fishing across the country. And don’t forget to purchase your fishing license.