How To Locate And Catch Winter Bluegill

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America’s favorite panfish doesn’t take winters off!They can actually be really easy to locate and catch if you understand their feeding habits.

Are Bluegill Catchable During Winter?

The simple answer is Yes! In fact this is my favorite time to harvest them!

Bluegill are one of the most sought after fish due to their flakey white meat and the mere fact that you can fill a basket with them quickly once you locate them.

It really doesn’t matter how cold it gets, as a matter of fact even with the ice over a foot thick you an bring them right up through that tiny hole as quickly as you can rebait your hook!

The main things to keep in mind are…

Fish Near Deep Drop Offs
Use Small Hooks
Live Bait Will Always Outproduce In Winter
Dress Warm!

Why Do Bluegill Bite In Winter So Well?

Bluegill have an odd physical makeup when compared to other fish. Instead of having long lengths and big bellies, Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill) are more of a round shape and have a small stomach.

Another reason is in order to survive harsh winters most game fish will eat one large meal and then store the majority of that energy as fat. The declining temperatures slows the fish’s metabolism down to a crawl enabling them to go into a semi hibernation trance where they only feed every few days but bluegill don’t have this option

They must scour the shortened days along the bottom feeding on microscopic organisms that are usually smaller than a grain of rice. Combine this survival mentality and their very nature of being social fish in large schools then you see why they will pounce on any simple meal that falls from the heavens!

Do Artificial Baits Work For Bluegill In Winter?

Yes they do but even I (The proud owner of a bluegill bait company) will opt for the consistencies of ice jigs tipped with live bait after the water temperatures fall below 50 degrees.

Little pieces of mealworm or wax worms are all you really need as they represent what the fish are honed in on.

Many sporting goods stores stock wax worms this time of year and do really well.

My Favorite Rig For Catching Winter Bluegills

My favorite rig for fishing for bluegill is to use a micro drop shot rig. The bluegill are down on the bottom stirring up any food they can so it makes sense to get right down to them.

If you’re unfamiliar with the drop shot rig it’s an inverse bottom fishing technique from what most of us grew up with. In this instance the hook sits just barely above a small weight that is attached to the very bottom of the rig. The weight’s main goal is to get the bait down to the fish quickly and maintain bottom contact. It can be fished quickly be casting out and dragging it back slowly like a Carolina Rig

I will use either an ice jig or really small hook only a few inches above the weight. Be mindful that the taps are a little lighter in winter but you will get the same fight as spring once your hook pierces their skin!

Line your poles with no more than 4lbs Seagur fishing line.

Where to Locate Bluegill In Winter?

There are two rules of thought when bluegill fishing in winter. If you’re a bank fisherman you want to be close to the first big shelf drop from the shore. If you’re in a boat then search channel swings especially where they meet up with mud flats. Fish will travel these “highways” stopping to feed up on the flat.

If you’re in a boat fishing for winter Bluegill pull into the middle of the creek channel. Cast up on the mud flat and slowly drag your bait back pausing every few seconds. Most bites will happen after the first pull or when you reach the drop off.

If you’re bank fishing for bluegill in winter then cast out to the deeper water. Raise your rod tip high to lift the bait off of the weight but try not to lift the weight off the bottom. Jiggle the rod tip for a few seconds and then reel up quickly holding your rod up as high as possible to lift the bait. Retrieve it ten yards and then repeat the steps until you make it back to the drop. Holding your rod up high minimizes the risk of hang ups.

Don’t Forget To Dress Warm!

Hypothermia is no joke! Having full blood circulation in your body is a must in winter. Not only can it prevent frost bite, but it can help you keep coordination when getting in and out of your boat. Layering will usually keep your core warm but your feet and hands are just as important.

Nowadays, there are electric gloves, hot pouches, and thinsulated boots that are well worth the upfront costs. If you can try to always go with a fishing partner incase someone falls in. Water at those temperatures will cause you to lock up instantly and you will be in a world of trouble if it happens to you alone!

Reaping The Rewards Of Bluegill Fishing In Winter.

With few fishermen out on the water, the peace and quiet of winter fishing is the first thing that draws me away from a warm heated house. Secondly it’s a great breath of fresh air to cure the winter blues. But the main thing I love best about winter bluegill fishing is when I bring a mess home, clean them and they go straight into the pan! You can spend a Sunday evening eating fish with your family that you worked hard for and it will make your work Monday so much better as you remanence about the preceding evening.

The next time you’re bored and trying to kick cabin fever, grab some micro gear and head out to the lake. Dress warm and create memories that will last a lifetime!