Bluegills are native to the ponds, lakes and streams throughout North America. With the widespread distribution and simple fishing methods, bluegills are one of the most popular game fish. Anglers can pursue bluegills year-round, but ice fishing presents the challenge of fishing through a small hole drilled through the ice. As a result, a successful fishing trip requires lures that adapt to the fishing conditions.
Types
Two major categories of lures for ice fishing for bluegills include artificial bait and live bait. Popular choices for artificial bait include a Swedish pimple--a small lure with a spoon or flapper that attracts bluegills--and a jig--made from a lead sinker and a hook. Other artificial lures include marabou feather, rubber grubs and twister tails. The most popular live bait lure option is night crawlers with other choices being grasshoppers, crickets or any other insect large enough for the hook.
Size
Sizing the lure for bluegill ice fishing is crucial to your success. Bluegills have small mouths and the hook on the lure needs to be sized accordingly. Hook sizes six or eight are recommended with a long shank for easy hook removal. Choose a lightweight lure weighing 1/32-oz. to 1/64-oz. for the proper size. Attach the lure to an ultra-light fishing line and rod for the best results.
Colors
Color selection is another component to lures for bluegill ice fishing. Most anglers will choose from a variety of colors including silver, white, gold, red, black, chartreuse or green based on the conditions. Glow-in-the-dark, however, is one of the most popular color choices because it seems to "glow" in any light conditions that can attract nearby bluegills looking for an easy meal. As a general rule, bright colors--chartreuse and fluorescent--work best on bright days.
Presentation
Ice fishing for bluegills requires a vertical bait presentation of the lure. Attaching a bobber or small float to the fishing line can help hold the lure at the proper depth in the water while a jig with a night crawler attached to the hook can be moved up and down to attract a bluegill. Bluegills will generally be located in about 15 to 20 feet of water around shoreline points and ridges during the ice fishing season.
Considerations
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the number one concern with bluegill ice fishing is insulated clothing. Other essential ice fishing equipment includes an ice auger, ice dipper and sled. After selecting your gear and clothing, keep a variety of lures in your tackle box to adapt to the changing fishing conditions. Experiment with different lures--color and type--at different locations on the ice.
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