The bluegill is native to most of North America. Common names for bluegill include red-spotted sunfish, bream, sun or common yellow perch, roach and white bass. Due to its delicate sweet flavor, bluegills are among America's favorite pan fish. You can find bluegill in nearly every lake in Michigan throughout the year.
Characteristics
Bluegills have ovate, narrow bodies. The species' color varies from blue to green to red-streaked, depending largely on water conditions, gender and whether they are spawning. Black spots on the back of the gill covers and at the back of the dorsal fin are the most distinctive characteristics of the species.
Techniques
Fly fishing is most successful during summer months, when insects on the water are plentiful. Many find using a spin caster easier, more productive and more fun if you use an ultra light rod with light test. Cane pole fishermen have the most success where the water depth drops off suddenly to between 4 and 10 feet deep, such as in overgrown shoreline areas or from the end of a dock. If using a cane pole, select a long pole (8 to 12 feet) and tie an equal length of monofilament to the tip.
Bait and Lures
Check the rules for the lake in which you fish because some do not allow live bait. If live bait is legal, try natural baits indigenous to the area, such as crickets, worms, small minnows and grass shrimp. Because bluegills have tiny mouths, you may have to cut larger bait into pieces. One of the more successful artificial lures for bluegills is rubber grubs. These are particularly effective if you thread a piece of worm onto the hook. If using an ultra light spin caster, try tiny spinners or a sixty-fourth ounce Leadhead lure.
Seasons
Bluegills spawn from late spring into early autumn, when you will find larger fish in shallow, weedy water near pebble or sandy areas. Non-spawning bluegills of large size tend to stay around weeds beside a drop-off. You can successfully ice fish for bluegill during the winter with a cane pole.
Best Michigan Lakes
Shallow lakes are best for bluegill fishing, though also you can catch them in shallower areas of deep lakes. Otsego Lake, just south of Gaylord, is a reasonably large but shallow lake with easy access, including two public boat launches. This lake often yields Master Award-winning bluegill, and is a favorite for fly fishermen. One preferred lure is a bright green glass bead nymph featuring a pearl flashabou tail.
Houghton Lake in Roscommon County offers some of the best bluegill fishing in Michigan. In the span of only five years, fisherman landed over 50 Master Angler Award-winning bluegills at this large, weedy and shallow lake. Many fly fishermen have had great success casting rubber spiders from a boat far from shore.
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