The best natural bait I have found for cold water fishing bluegill are worms and minnows . Use pieces of worms since bluegill will want to eat smaller food in the winter. Likewise, small minnows work better and making sure to fish them near weeds is very important as well.
Do bluegills bite when its cold?
Many Natural State fishermen believe bluegills quit biting when the water gets cold, so fishing for these delicious fish is fruitless. Fortunately, that’s untrue. Bluegills actually stay active throughout the cold months , and this is a great time of year to catch dozens if you use the proper fishing tactics.
Do bluegill bite in winter?
They school near underwater structures, usually near the bottom. Bluegill do not feed as actively in winter, so be sure to use small baits and slow presentation. Using light tackle and line is also essential because bluegill bite very lightly in winter , and these bites would go undetected with less sensitive tackle.
What do bluegill fish do in the winter?
Our experience has shown that bluegills tend to suspend in shallower water in small ponds. On sunny winter days the fish will often be suspended over dark mud bottoms that absorb the most sunlight and in turn raise the water temperature a degree or two. This year, extend your warmwater season well into winter.
What’s the best time to catch bluegill?
Spring and early summer is the best time to catch bluegills because they gather in the shallows to spawn, become very aggressive, and are easy to catch. Wade or boat within easy casting distance of the nests with a small lure or bait just below a small bobber.
How do you catch a big bluegill in the winter?
- Use the right bait. ...
- Use light tackle. ...
- Fish on the bottom in deep water. ...
- Try European-style floats. ...
- Be prepared for light bites. ...
- Vary your presentation. ...
- Be flexible.
How cold is too cold for bluegill?
| LAKE SPECIES Too Cold F Best Temps F | BLUEGILL 56 60-72 | BROOK TROUT 43 57-59 | BROWN TROUT 43 55-65 | CARP 75 82-84 |
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How deep do bluegill go in the winter?
Avoid fishing in shallow water as this water will be colder than deeper water which better holds its summer warmth. Bluegill can often be found in water 20 feet or deeper as winter approaches.
What temp do Bluegills bite?
Bluegills will spawn from late May into August when water temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees. But the sunny, warm days of June, with water temperatures in the 70- to 75-degree range , are the prime times to pursue these saucer-shaped, scrappy sunfish.
What temperature do Bluegill feed?
Bluegill begin feeding when the water temperature reaches 50 degrees Farenheit . For most fish species, this is the temperature where a fishes metabolism begins to activate. They’ll feed slowly, but as temperatures rise, they’ll quickly begin to build their reserves for the spawn.
Can you catch bluegill at night?
Bluegills and crappies will happily chow down in the dark , especially near a light source. Light attracts small baitfish and bugs, providing a late-night feast for panfish. Fixed dock lights are magnets, but if you can’t find one, pick up a portable floating light designed specifically for nighttime crappie fishing.
Are bluegill active at night?
Bluegills are most active during the day, but they will bite at night . Bluegills are much less active at night.
What is a good bait for bluegill?
Live bait works especially well for bluegill. The most common baits are worms and night crawlers because they are readily available and bluegill love them. The key is to use only a piece of a worm—just enough to cover the hook. Other productive baits include crickets, grasshoppers, red wrigglers and meal worms.
What is the biggest bluegill ever caught?
The world record bluegill recorded by IGFA or the International Gamefish Association was caught in 1950 at Ketona Lake, Alabama. This bluegill weighed in at a whopping 4 pounds 12 ounces and came in at 15 inches long with an astounding girth of 18-1⁄4 inches.
Do bluegill bite after it rains?
Of course they will bite in the rain! I’ve caught many a gill during showers both in Florida and here.
How do you catch a big bluegill?
Using live bait is by far the most effective and reliable way to consistently catch big bluegill. Night crawlers, red worms, leeches, minnows, and crickets all work well. Try to “match the hatch” by using bait that is present in the water you’re fishing.
