How to Catch Bluegill

When to Fish Bluegill

Depending on your location, you can likely fish bluegill year-round. But no matter where you are, the best bluegill fishing time is during the spring and summer spawn. At that time, the species will be in about two to six feet of water, usually under cover. During a spawn, there can be as many as 50 nests in a spawning bed. With the bluegill in a shallow bunch, striking is at its best!

After the spawning period is over, bluegill will be found in deeper waters throughout the rest of the year, traveling in large schools.

How to Catch More Bluegill

Bluefish are a desirable species for a number of reasons. They’re widely available, provide great sport, and taste great! So to maximize your catch rates, here are some bluegill fishing tips.
 

• Experiment at overlooked spots like small streams and rivers
• Use a clear line so the fish can’t see it
• Retrieve your cast line slowly and steadily

Best Bait for Bluegill

One of the most important bluegill fishing tips is knowing the best bluegill fishing bait. While bluegill are not picky eaters, learning how to catch bluegill means considering the various bait options available.

The most popular choice is live bait. Good options include worms, crickets, and grasshoppers. Just remember to use a small hook due to the species’ mouth size. Bluegill are curious, and this can create room to experiment with bait choices. So if you decide to opt for artificial lures instead, make sure you use bite-sized ones.