Bliegill Fishing in Indiana

Bluegill are among the most common fish in Indiana, inhabiting waters across the state. They bite readily and group in large schools, and fishing for them is a way to introduce children to fishing. But far from being "just for kids," bluegill can reach sizes big enough to put up a hearty fight in Indiana's best bluegill lakes. Bluegill can also be filleted easily, and make a nutritious meal.

Identification

The bluegill has a small mouth and large eyes, with a body shape that appears round from the side but is flattened when viewed head-on. The overall body color is olive to pale blue, usually with nine dark vertical bars down the side. The cheek and gill cover have a bluish tone, giving the fish its name. The bluegill's gill flap, or tab, is solid black or dark blue, but it lacks the red mark present on other sunfish species. Bluegill average 5 to 8 inches in length, but some fish can approach 12 inches. The best bluegill lakes have bluegill of various sizes, indicating a healthy reproducing population.

Habitat

Bluegill do not adapt well to current, so they tend to be found in lakes, ponds and reservoirs in Indiana. The best bluegill lakes have a variety of depths and abundant aquatic vegetation. Bluegill travel in schools around such vegetation, which serves both as a hunting ground and a place to hide from larger predators. Small bluegill are often found in shallow water in Indiana lakes, but you may find the largest bluegill in slightly deeper water, near a drop-off or deep weed line. These fish often move shallow to hunt at dawn and dusk.

Destinations

Most of the more than 1,000 lakes within Indiana's borders contain at least a few bluegill. But certain lakes are known to be regular bluegill-producers. Among these are Adams Lake, Bruce Lake, Middle Fork Reservoir and Summit Lake. According to Indiana Game & Fish Magazine, the best lakes to catch big bluegill -- fish running 8 to 12 inches -- are Patoka Lake, Dogwood Lake, Hovey Lake and Oakland City Lake.

Fishing Methods

Live bait is the simplest method of catching bluegill in Indiana lakes. You can fish red worms, crickets and pieces of nightcrawler under a float, or on bottom. Cast close to prime cover like weed lines, docks, brush and fallen trees. If you prefer artificial baits, there are a number of options. Bluegill feed primarily on tiny aquatic invertebrates and microorganisms. The best bluegill lakes in Indiana have an abundance of these creatures, which you can imitate with tiny soft plastics rigged on a 1/32-oz. jighead. Such dainty offerings are best used with an ultralight rod and reel, and you can jig them, fish them under a float or cast and retrieve horizontally.

Licenses

You must have a valid Indiana fishing license to fish for bluegill or any other species in the state's lakes. Licenses can be purchased at bait shops and other participating retailers across the state. Licenses can also be obtained by mail, or via the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website