Bluegills are most active during and after the spawn when the water has a temperature of approximately 55 to 75°F. The fishing for bluegill is often at its best on days with a light to moderate breeze, a slowly falling barometer, and a slightly overcast sky.
You can use both a monofilament, braid, and fluorocarbon mainline when fishing for bluegills. Mono and fluorocarbon lines are best used when fishing in clear water conditions, while braid is a solid choice for dark or stained water.
Bluegill stay in or very close to heavy cover in clear water conditions. You should approach them stealthily and use baits and lures that look as realistic as possible. Red, brown, silver or black colors can work very well for clear water gills.
Muddy water bluegill can be found in or near heavy cover and vegetation in shallow and deeper water. They can be caught on both live and artificial baits and react well to colors like white, chartreuse, and black.
The bluegill’s spawning season typically starts mid or late spring and lasts until late summer or early fall. They mostly spawn on gravel bottoms spawn in water temperatures of 65 to 80F and in very shallow water with a maximum depth of around 5 feet.
Bluegill have a maximum size of about 14 to 16 inches and 5 pounds. The average bluegill will have a length of about 4 to 10 inches and an approximate weight of 3 ounces to 1 pound.