"Exposed - Fly-Fishing Patterns For Nailing Bluegill"

Here's a good article for all you Bluegill and Crappie fishermen out there...

Just goes to show not all fly-fishing is for trout.

Anyone ever eat BlueGill or Crappie? Decent Meat? I'd imagine they are mostly bone.

-Michael

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Game & Fish Bluegills Fishing:

"I cleared about 30 feet of line off the reel, made a simple double haul and laid the popper gently on the water's surface, about 10 feet off the bank. I didn't even have time to twitch the fly before a fat, hand-sized 'gill sucked the fly under."

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The main thing you want to remember, when going after panfish like bluegills, is to keep your tippet as light as possible. A 4 weight is fine, though a 2 weight is likely better. That's especially important if you'll be using slow-sinking flies like an ant or worm. The thin diameter line will sink faster. Also, the lightweight tippet won't kill the action of a popper or slider.

Catching assorted panfish, specifically bluegills, on lightweight fly rods is a hoot. I've been using a 2-weight, 7 1/2-foot fly rod for years. The next best thing is to go with a 1 weight. Catching panfish is all about having fun. The super lightweight rods allow even the smallest panfish to show its muscle. A 4-weight rod is about as heavy as you want to go. Otherwise, you'll overpower the fish and cut down on the action.

The patterns discussed here will work throughout the summer months from top to bottom. Get three or four of each of the flies mentioned and you'll be set for some classic panfish angling.