Bluegill are among the most common fish in Ohio. Plentiful and eager to bite, bluegill are the first fish caught by many young anglers. But by no means are bluegill just for kids; chasing big 'gills in the 2-pound class is every bit as challenging as landing a 10-pound bass. And whether you're an angler after trophies, or looking to fill your freezer with some tasty fillets, Ohio has a number of lakes to choose from.
Pleasant Hill Reservoir
Pleasant Hill reservoir is located on the border of Richland and Ashland counties. This 850-acre lake was impounded in 1938, and today offers some excellent fishing for bluegill as well as other species. Bluegill are available year-round, but the biggest ones are caught in June, according to Ohio fishing writer Tom Cross. Fish close to the shoreline in 2 to 4 feet of water, casting wax worms and red worms near docks, brush and other cover.
Buckeye Lake
Buckeye lake covers 2,850 acres in in Fairfield, Licking, and Perry counties. Bluegill are average in size, but abundant, making it a worthwhile destination for fishermen looking for food fish. Vegetation is key to bluegill location. Weed growth varies every year, but the vegetated portions of the lake always hold the most bluegill. Try red worms fished under a float.
Piedmont Lake
Piedmont Lake covers 2,270 acres in Belmont and Harrison counties. The lake is better known for its big-game fish (the 52-lb. state record muskellunge was caught here in 1972) but good fishing for bluegills exists as well. Fishing peaks in May and June, with plenty of fish in the 8-to 10-inch range. Worms and larval baits excel. Ice fishing is also popular here; look for bluegills in areas that harbor green vegetation all winter long.
Salt Fork Lake
Salt Fork Lake is a 2,952-acre reservoir located in the massive 20,542-acre Salt Fork Wildlife area. Bluegill are plentiful, and can be caught year-round, but the best shot at big fish is in May and June, when they will be found around shallow cover. Fishing with small jigs in springtime can result in a mixed bag of bluegill, sunfish and crappie, all of which live in Salt Fork in good numbers. Live bait is effective as well.
Indian Lake
Built in 1851 as a water source for the Miami and Erie canals, Indian Lake's use as a recreational lake has outlasted the Ohio canal system. Today, the lake can be accessed through Indian Lake State Park, which features camping, a swimming beach, hiking trails, and ample fishing and boating access. Bluegill are abundant in Indian Lake, and can be caught almost anywhere. Most fish are average in size, but some do reach 8 inches or larger. Look for bigger bluegill around drop-offs adjacent to shallow vegetation.
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