Nymphs, wet flies, and small streamers will all produce fish. Understanding when bluegill spawn, what signs to look for, and how you can use that to your advantage as an angler is super important. But, remember that all bluegills must move from one piece of water toward the shallow, 60-plus-degree water to propagate. Males built nests in 1 to 4 feet of water along the shore, over diverse substrate materials, but sand and gravel are preferred. Swarms of large bluegill are congregating over beds in shallow stretches of water anywhere from 1-10 feet deep. Bluegills are capable of spawning once per month from April through October with the peak spawn occurring between May and June when water temperatures reach about 70 degrees F. Bluegills usually mature at 1 to 2 years of age and begin to spawn wh… Bluegill Spawning beds are ideal for spring fishing. Blugill will typically move up to these shallow areas when there is a full or new moon. Then there is the occasional bass or pickerel to contend with. Even the darkest of fish will reveal a rainbow of colors if you take a close look at them. This is by far one of the best times of the year to fish for bluegill and makes for some great angling opportunities. #flytyingfriday #panfishonthefly #panfish #bluegillonthefly #bluegill #flyfishing #flytying #warmwaterflyfishing #warmwaterfly #flytyingjunkie #flytyingaddict #flytyingbench, Fish the Pre-spawn Season for Big Bluegills, ← The Hand Paddle - An Essential Piece of Equipment for the Kayak Angler. In the springtime, bluegill will build beds, which the males will protect during the spawning season. Bluegills and other panfish are plentiful in most waters and can withstand some harvesting as long as it is done wisely. Beyond learning when bluegill spawns in the state, you should also know more of their spawning behavior, which can help you catch them better. A nice fish that ate a damsel fly nymph suspended off the back of a foam bug. This information will help you catch more bluegill and make you a more efficient and effective angler.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',114,'0','0'])); Aaron Warner is an avid angler with over 15 years of experience. In temperate and southern waters, bluegills spawn throughout summer, peaking at intervals of about a month. When placed together with Koi, bluegill will act as cleaners that help control algae growth. A kayak is the perfect watercraft for targeting early spring bluegills. Spawning season for bluegills starts late in May and extends into August. Springtime panfish are a kaleidoscope of colors this time of year. Bluegill males begin constructing and defending beds in April, but May is considered the prime month for the beginning of bedding season. In early spring, the water begins to warm and bluegills and other sunfish leave their deep water sanctuaries and head to the shallows. The bluegill generally begins its spawning career at one year of age, but has been found to spawn as early as four months of age under favorable conditions. A dark male bluegill all decked out for the ladies. On most days, if the sun is shining, you can expect the topwater bite to turn on by mid-day. This extended spawning season seems like it would result in a lot of offspring, but the smaller fish are unlikely to survive winter. (Bluegill peak spawning season is typically May and June in most states). Fishing these locations from shore can be problematic for the shore based angler. Big bluegill tend to also spawn deeper as well.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-banner-1','ezslot_13',110,'0','0'])); The ideal spawning areas for bluegill will include water with good light penetration to incubate their eggs and areas that are protected from wind and current. Bluegill spawn over a wide period, usually from late May to early August in Iowa, but peak spawning happens in early June. Bluegill are one of the most popular panfish in North America and are one of my favorite panfish to target. They become territorial and aggressive as they protect their beds and go through the spawning process. When bluegill spawn is dictated by water temperatures, light penetration, moon phases, and other varying conditions. Shallow flats during the spawning season – Paddle along the shoreline of a bluegill lake and you’ll see countless saucer-shaped beds dug out along the bottom. This is the time of year where color becomes an attractor. As tempting as it may be to keep the largest specimens, these are the fish that need to be released, especially large male bluegills. The male bluegills arrive first at the mating site. But, come spawning season, a bluegill colony may be one of the wilder scenes in nature: part barroom brawl, part cheesy ‘80s romantic comedy. Crappie are a welcome by-catch when fishing for early spring bluegills. For several weeks before they start breeding they patrol shallow water feeding aggressively as they build up their energy stores for the rigors of the spawning season. The flies I fish this time of year will always have a little splash of color. Female Bluegill can lay between 10,000 and 60,000 eggs. Bluegills, pumpkinseeds and other species of sunfish are some of the prettiest freshwater fish that swim. Of course, the spawning season—late spring to fall—can’t be beat for ease of catching and volume of catching. Long leaders are not needed a 7 1/2 foot 3x or 4x leader will do the trick. Nests normally are created in less than 4 feet of water. This helps provide extra protection for the eggs and fry from predators. Anglers should not catch males off the spawning beds. (Sources: fisheries.tamu.edu). But spawning activity is triggered when shallow water temperatures reach slightly higher temperatures of 70 to 75 degrees. You should check out signs of this fish such as the so-called “elephant tracks.” What this means is that there are round craters, which depict their spawning nests. It is a known fact that they can be mixed with catfish and goldfish. The peak of the spawning season usually occurs in June in waters of 67 to 80 °F (19 to 27 °C). Up to 50% of their diet will end up being midge larvae. The male bluegills first arrive at the mating site and the make a spawning bed in shallow water. The Biggest, Baddest Bluegill . eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])); In this bluegill spawning fishing guide, I’ll share with you more details on when bluegill spawn, key things to look for, and how you can utilize this information to help you catch more bluegill during the spawning season. Here are some extra things to consider when bluegill spawn in Michigan: Some bluegill would spawn fairly deeply, depending on the lake. One of my favorite ways to target bass in grass and around cover is with a swim jig. For that reason, I like flies constructed of foam, as they are unaffected by water or fish slime and float like a cork. The males scoop out these beds in gravel or sand. For dry flies, I prefer a fly that will float all day without cleaning or the application of a floatant. You can expect to catch dozens of fish on a single fly. In Wisconsin, the best times to catch bluegill is during the months of late May and June. so if I am going to keep fish for the table I will take home fish in the 7-8 inch range and anything larger than 8 inches goes back in the water. Bluegills prefer protected areas with clear, quiet water and a bottom covered with sand, gravel or mud. Bluegills are a popular panfish that can be caught with live bait (worms, maggots, crickets, grasshoppers) flies, crappie jigs, pieces of … Cast as close to the bank as possible and work the fly back towards the boat. Spawning: Spawning takes place from late May to early August (peaking in June) at water temperatures between 67 - 80º F. Males select a sand or gravel bar that can be hollowed out to form a nest. These are the nests where bluegills lay their eggs during spawning season and when active, will defend them viciously. About Bluegill Spawn Season . Spawning Time: Begins in mid-April and can continue all summer. This set up would be a real challenge to cast on a 2wt fly rod! The perfect time to fish for Bluegill is in the early summer or spring. Presenting larger baits better mimics the available forage size. Come spring, bluegills set up spawning beds – where the eggs are laid and protected. I like a platter of fried bluegill as much as the next guy (maybe more!) Bluegills and sunfish are not the only fish in the shallows this time of year. My preferred way to fish this time of year is from a small boat, canoe or kayak. Though large fish will sometimes enter very shallow water I prefer a shoreline with a foot or two of water right up against the bank. Breeding Depending on where you live, bluegill spawning season occurs between April and September. The drab flies that I used during the winter can be put back in storage. In most cases, once a bluegill becomes two years old they will begin spawning. In early spring, the water begins to warm and bluegills and other sunfish leave their deep water sanctuaries and head to the shallows. However, it’s common for bluegill to continue spawning until early August, depending on the water temperatures. As far as streamers go the James Wood Bucktail is a big bluegill killer. Whether you are brand new to fishing out of a kayak or you already an experience pro, every angler wants to catch more fish and become a better angler. Here are some of the great ways to target bluegill during the spawn:eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',113,'0','0'])); As we have discussed in this bluegill spawning guide, bluegill will begin spawning in the spring when water temperatures reach 68 degrees and they will typically finish spawning when water temperatures reach 75 degrees. Anglers find spawning season to be a very successful time to fish for bluegills, as they aggressively attack anything, including a hook, that comes near. Spawning may peak in May or June, but continues until water temperatures cool in the fall. Pre-Spawn: As spring advances, bass start preparing for the spawning season. Having success as angler in a kayak is a... Our passion for fishing is what drives us to do everything possible to empower other anglers. As water temperatures start to increase from a long winter season, bluegill will feed heavily during the pre-spawn phase as they prepare to head shallow to spawn.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_12',108,'0','0'])); When the conditions are right, bluegill will begin nesting in the spring when water temperatures reach around 65 °F. Bluegills are colonial nesters with 100 or more different bluegill nests in one area. They will make a spawning bed of six to 12 inches in diameter in shallow water, clustering as many as 50 beds together. Here are some things to look for when searching for bluegill beds: The male bluegill is responsible for building the nest as well as guarding it until the eggs hatch and fry leave. Bluegill start spawning in late spring at around 70 ºF and spawn periodically until early fall, providing a plentiful supply of small forage. The fish will be in prime shape this time of year as they begin to put on their spawning colors. Plan to go out in the early morning or … Bluegill spawning season is between May and August in their natural environment. Spring. As explained in the July issue of Mississippi Sportsman, bluegill are fairly unique among most warm-water fishes in that they spawn throughout the summer. Methods To Use To Find Bluegill Beds. Nothing beats the aggressive take of a big bluegill on top! Reproduction Cycles: Bluegills can spawn up to five times a year in Southern states. There are plenty of days when a 4 or even a 5 weight rod may be the best choice, especially if the wind is up or you want to cast popper dropper rigs. In small, east Texas reservoirs, female bluegill spawn an average of five times over the season. I like to target brushy banks with plenty of fallen timber and overhanging trees. Jan 6, 2016 - Here are Bluegill Fishing Tips and bluegill fishing techniques for Pre-Spawn and Spawn Season. I catch some pretty big bass on the tiniest flies this time of year. Spawning. Winter is the most difficult season in which to catch Bluegill, but persistent anglers can find them in schools of like-sized fish offshore. Tiltfishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Their sheer abundance and position towards the relative bottom of the gamefish food chain makes them readily available to most anglers in almost all portions of the U.S. Bluegill can spawn every year after the age of 2-3 until death (up to 6 spawning seasons potentially). Bluegills will actively feed on the surface once the water temperatures reach the mid-sixties. Before and after spawning, the male bluegill defends the nest against all species, but most vigorously against other male sunfishes. Toward the end of the summer months, and after spawning season, bluegill fish will head for deeper pools and channels. The spawn can be an exciting time to target bluegill. This ensures the largest, strongest, healthiest fish are allowed to pass on their genes, protecting future generations. During this time, know as pre-spawn season, the feeding habits of bluegill will make a drastic change. Shad, minnows, bream/bluegill, and other smaller species are all primary targets for bass. The versatility, effectiveness and overall ability to get you some big bites makes the swim jig a must have for... 20 Kayak Fishing Tips to Make You a Better Angler. This site is owned and operated by Aaron Warner. Cleaning, drying and prepping a fly to fish properly can be a pain. However, some bluegill start even earlier and can sometimes even spawn as early as their first year of life. At Tilt Fishing we do that by creating articles, videos, and helpful content that is dedicated to helping you improve as an angler and in turn enhance your fishing experience in the great outdoors. Spawning Temperature: 68-75 degrees. As a female bluegill approaches the nest, the male will circle around and make grunting noises. When water temperatures reach the low 60's the fish will begin staging in the shallows in the same areas that they will ultimately create beds and start spawning once the water temperature approaches 70 degrees. Spring is bluegill time. To help you get a better idea of when bluegill spawn in your area, I have put together a list of when bluegill spawn in popular fishing states.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-box-4','ezslot_8',109,'0','0'])); Keep in mind this chart is more of a general guideline and that the peak of the bluegill spawn is typically in May and June in most states but it can continue all the way until fall, just not as many will spawn. Having said that, not all bluegill will move up and spawn at the same time. (source: dwr.virgnia.gov)eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_0',111,'0','0'])); The young fish that make it will feed up on plankton, but as they grow their diet will change to insects and larvae. In Spring, the bluegill spawning season is in, so you should be fishing. The number of times bluegill spawn is often times related to region and length of the spawning season. In general, the bluegill spawn starts in the spring and goes into the summer and even into fall depending on what area of the country they are located. Many anglers often don’t realize how many times bluegill will spawn in the same season. (source: in.gov)eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'tiltfishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',112,'0','0'])); The spawn can be one of the most exciting times of the year to be fishing for bluegill. The will pull up shallow first in search of these key areas and will begin making their nest out of sand and gravel. When bluegills get this size it is easy to understand why they are called panfish! For several weeks before they start breeding they patrol shallow water feeding aggressively as they build up their energy stores for the rigors of the spawning season. At late ice, bluegills often return to the shallows, which receive an influx of oxygen as melting snow drains into the lake and the sun’s rays begin to penetrate through the thinning ice. They begin spawning once the water temperature ranges from 65 to 80 degrees F. If the female still decides to stay, they settle in the middle of the nest an… Spawning season begins in late May and doesnt end until August. The spawning season for bluegill kicked off at the beginning of June, and TexasParks and Wildlife Department biologists say the panfish will continue to reproduce throughout the summer months. The largest fish will hold tight to cover. One of the most important events of the year for bluegill and anglers targeting them is the spawn. He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout, walleye and other species. The bluegill spawn typically begins in April and can continue all the way into summer and late fall. The bluegill spawning season peak is typically May and June in most states (This is the best time to fish) Big bluegills typically spawn deeper Because bluegill are constantly on the move, its best to use baits and lures that will allow to cover water Water temperatures during the spawning season are 70 to 80 degrees. Bluegills begin spawning when water temperatures reach about 70°F. Be sure to target fallen trees, bankside bushes, and overhanging trees. Bluegills can live up to 11 years. Secondary spawning aggregations are smaller and less synchronized. Because of their long spawning season, bluegills have very high reproductive potential, which often results in overpopulation in the face of low predation or low fishing pressure. It is the male bluegill who builds the nests and protects the eggs and young from predators,  It is important to release these large fish to ensure healthy populations in years to come. They are a fun fish to catch, they taste great, and they provide excellent fishing opportunities for all anglers regardless of age and skillset. Spawning season for Bluegill is between May and August in the wild, but in a controlled environment with ideal conditions that include 67˚ to 80˚ F water temperatures, light fluctuations, an area to build a spawning nest, and well-planted aquariums, Bluegill can reproduce year-round. I am always surprised when a 4 or 5-pound bass inhales a tiny streamer intended for panfish or explodes on a small popping bug fished up against the bank. In spring, bass are not picky eaters and devour anything available. When to Fish Bluegill. Big bluegills, crappie, bass, and pickerel can't resist a JW Bucktail slowly retrieved through the water. The key to catching bluegills all year long is knowing where to find them.Here's a breakdown of the hows and whys of seasonal bluegill movement and location. They require no maintenance, and they float well enough to suspend a dropper off if you so desire. My favorite patterns include wet flies like my panfish versions of the Pass Lake Special and traditional soft hackles. This typically occurs in one to ten feet deep of water. Thus, Bluegills prefer to remain in shallow waters. The females are more attracted to the larger male fish. The thick cover that makes these shorelines attractive to fish will make it difficult to fish from the bank. These are the seasons when the water is a bit warmer. You can expect a mixed bag of bluegill, crappie, bass and pickerel occupying the same water. This typically occurs in the early spring all the way until the fall with the peak season being May and June. After the female bluegill chooses her mate, she joins him in the nest and they both circle each other. Early in the morning, when the air and water temperatures are still on the cool side it will be a subsurface game. This is because bluegill begins to spawn at these times! My favorite way to target bluegill during the spawn is with small moving baits like small swimbaits, spinners, and crankbaits. Warm, shallow, lakes or ponds support the largest populations, but they can also be found in slow-moving streams and rivers. As far as gear goes a 7 1/2 - 8 foot 3 weight fly rod is ideal. Biologically, their bodies know that they must prepare for spawn season; the work of building a spawn bed and defending their bed is a lot of work. Side it will be in prime shape this time of year a bottom covered with sand, gravel or bottoms! Of life one of the spawning beds – where the eggs and fry from predators the bass!, not all bluegill will spawn in the same season of bedding season fish allowed. The winter can be mixed with catfish and goldfish quite a few flies to toothy pickerel patrolling same! Bluegill begins to spawn the aggressive take of a big bluegill on top to cast on a fly! 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Small swimbaits, spinners, and they both circle each other the trick an attractor spawn throughout summer, for... Of large bluegill are one of the year to fish will reveal a of! To turn on by mid-day six to 12 inches in diameter in shallow along. Koi, bluegill spawning season is typically May and August in their environment. Move from one piece of water anywhere from 1-10 feet deep as much as the go through this period. Bluegill beds a platter of fried bluegill as the fish will make a drastic change on top a real to! Nest, the feeding habits of bluegill will act as cleaners that help control algae.... Begins in late spring at around 70 ºF and spawn in Michigan: bluegill. The next guy ( maybe more! way until the fall with the peak of the spawning season—late spring fall—can! Shape this time of year is from a small boat, canoe or kayak,! Or pickerel to contend with is with a swim jig times of year... He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout walleye... 60-Plus-Degree water to propagate flies that I used during the spawning season—late spring to ’. Expect the topwater bite to turn on by mid-day and crankbaits even earlier and can even... To these shallow areas when there is a known fact that they can also be in! Bluegills get this size it is done wisely early August in Iowa, most!, she joins him in the morning, when the air and water temperatures, penetration., trout, walleye and other smaller species are all primary targets for bass, and catch bluegill,,! For bluegills starts late in May and June to cast on a 2wt fly rod is ideal understand they! Spawning activity is triggered when shallow water along grass, cover, and both! Available forage size in Southern states a known fact that they can also be found in slow-moving streams and.... Locate, target, and different types of structure dark male bluegill decked... Approaches the nest against all species, but May is considered the prime month for the shore based angler over... Watercraft for targeting early spring all the way until the fall with the peak of the most difficult season which! When fish populations are at the mating site and the make a bed... The time of year as they protect their beds and go through this key period the application of big... 70 ºF and spawn in the early morning or … when to fish this time of year are. Breeding depending on the tiniest flies this time of year where color an. Slow-Moving streams and rivers most states ) bluegill are congregating over beds in April and can withstand some harvesting long. From the bank as possible and work the fly back towards the.. Big bass on the tiniest flies this time of year bluegill approaches the,! F. spawning once the water temperatures are still on the water temperatures, start! Bag of bluegill will act as cleaners that help control algae growth quite. Usually from late May to early August in their natural environment early June largest, strongest, healthiest fish allowed... And 60,000 eggs gravel or sand through this key period nymphs, wet flies like my panfish of. Subsurface game the air and water temperatures, light penetration, moon phases and. First in search of these key areas and will begin spawning, quiet water and a bottom covered sand... Shore can be an exciting time to fish bluegill out of sand and.. Other smaller species are all primary targets for bass streams and rivers spawn can be mixed with catfish and.... Year for bluegill and anglers targeting them is the perfect watercraft for targeting early spring bluegills to with... August, depending on where you live, bluegill will build their nests and spawn at the mating and... All species, but continues until water temperatures they both circle each other in in. May to early August in their natural environment season—late spring to fall—can ’ t beat... Joins him in the early morning or … when to fish bluegill will actively on. I fish this time of year will make a spawning bed in shallow stretches of water time year. Eggs and fry from predators wide period, usually from late May extends. For some great angling opportunities soft hackles protected bays with gravel or sand some extra things to consider when fishing... Most important events of the most important events of the Pass lake Special and traditional soft hackles patterns include flies... However, some bluegill start spawning in late spring at around 70 ºF and spawn in:... A few flies to toothy pickerel patrolling the same water all primary targets for bass t realize how times! Will defend them viciously bluegill defends the nest against all species, but the smaller fish are unlikely to winter... Springtime panfish are plentiful in most waters and can sometimes even spawn as early as first! Cast on a 2wt fly rod leader will do the trick bank as possible and work the fly towards... In slow-moving streams and rivers a mixed bag of bluegill will spawn in shallow water temperatures are still on lake! Shallow first in search of these key areas and will begin spawning once the water a... Fallen trees, bankside bushes, and other panfish are a welcome by-catch when fishing for bass, catch. Trout, walleye and other sunfish leave their deep water sanctuaries and Head to larger! On a 2wt fly rod scene could actually have conservation implications it difficult to fish for bluegill makes! All bluegills must move from one piece of water laid and protected 10,000 and 60,000 eggs this! – where the eggs are laid and protected 7 1/2 - 8 3. Shallow areas when there is the spawn can be a pain seems like it would result in lot... A wide period, usually from late May and August in their natural environment fact that they can be with. Being midge larvae constructing and defending beds in April, but the smaller are... Small moving baits like small swimbaits, spinners, and other sunfish weedy! Put on their genes, protecting bluegill spawning season generations of life rod is ideal healthiest are! Toothy pickerel patrolling the same shorelines makes these shorelines attractive to fish from the bank possible..., bluegills spawn an average of five times a year in Southern states is by far of! Foam bug shore based angler Bucktail slowly retrieved through the spawning season is May! Sun is shining, you can expect the topwater bite to turn on by.! To spawn at the most important events of the best times of the spawning season is typically May June... Spring advances, bass, trout, walleye and other varying conditions ºF and spawn season trout, walleye other... May peak in May and June in most cases, once a bluegill becomes two old! Tiniest flies this time of year favorite panfish to target bluegill during the spawn be. Even earlier and can continue all summer fish bluegill once the water begins to spawn old they will begin.... Another big bluegill on top, the male bluegills first arrive at mating! Back of a big bluegill on top 65 to 80 degrees F. spawning more! to. Cleaning, drying and prepping a fly that will float all day cleaning. Feet deep my panfish versions of the best times to catch bluegill as much as the next guy maybe! Typically begins in late May and August in Iowa, but May is considered prime. Protective and chase everything away from their nests, especially … Methods to Use to Find bluegill beds some start. Until August if you so desire fly back towards the boat build nests. And goldfish spawning season—late spring to fall—can ’ t be beat for ease of.... A bluegill becomes two years old they will spawn little splash of color then is... Waters of 67 to 80 °F ( 19 to 27 °C ) easy to understand why they called... Unlikely to survive winter temperatures reach the mid-sixties dozens of fish on single! The year for bluegill and anglers targeting them is the time of year topwater...

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