The Skip Morris Panfish has been a favorite pattern for targeting bluegills, crappie and other panfish in deeper water.
Read moreSMP - Skip Morris Panfish
The SMP a.k.a. The Skip Morris Panfish. Click photo for pattern recipe
Warm Water Fly Fishing Podcast
I had the honor of appearing on yesterday's episode of the Warm Water Fly Fisherman's Podcast. The host, Mike Malone, and I discussed tactics and flies for early season bluegills.
Read moreThe James Wood Bucktail
The James Wood Bucktail is great pattern for both and panfish. Click photograph for recipe.
Harry Murray designed the James Wood Bucktail as an imitation of a sunfish. It is impressionistic impression at best, but the fish seem to think it does a pretty good job.
Read moreQuestions on Fly Design
How much detail does one need to put into a fly for panfish?
As a general rule of thumb flies for bluegills and other panfish can be very simple. As a fly tier I violate this rule every chance I get.
Read moreSoft Hackles and Wet Flies for Early Season Bluegills
The Black Pennell Wet Fly is a great early season pattern
As the longer days slowly melt the winter’s ice off the surface of my favorite lakes, it usually takes a few weeks of sunny days and milder temperatures to get warm water fish to shake off their winter sluggishness.
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