Panfish/Bluegill
Panfish are simply a lot of fun on a fly rod. Often considered Bluegill, they are just one of the many species that are in the panfish family along with pumpkinseeds, crappie, rock bass and others. What makes these fish so desirable to catch with a fly rod is their population density and eagerness to eat a fly. Something else that makes this a great species to pursue is the number of lakes in the region that is home to “gills” – there are lots of places to fish.
Beginner to Veteran
Personally, I think these fish offer anglers the best opportunity to learn how to fly fish – maybe because that’s how I got started myself. If you are looking to learn or want to introduce someone to the sport -panfish is a great choice; they require you to cast, strip and manage line, set the hook and bring fish to hand – all without the fastidious nature that trout sometimes exhibit. There is no moving water to worry about a drag-free drift, or that your fly size is off just a bit which can be a deal-breaker when trout fishing. Panfish are forgiving and simply fun. These fish like to eat and once hooked and are the best fighters pound for pound which is why accomplished anglers who have fished for years still go after them each year.
Each May the fish move from the depths into shallow water to spawn and are there into June. Their beds are often easy to locate, but not always. This is when the fish are at some of their most aggressive state of the year and will defend their territory. The smaller, immature fish are all around the spawners and they are eager to eat flies too. As the season progresses, the fish move into the deeper waters and take refuge in and around structure like weeds, drop offs and fallen in trees and can be targeted through July and into August. Bass almost always share the same water and catching a large or smallmouth bass on a light fly rod is more then a lot of fun.
Spend a half-day on a local water to learn to flyfish or just catch some if you already know how on one of our many beautiful lakes and ponds. It’s a great way to practice or spend an afternoon on the water.