Early Season Tactics For Panfish

March 14, 2020 Panfish On The Fly

With the right tactics and flies panfish can be caught just after ice out!

A common question I am often asked this time of year is how to reliably catch bluegills before the water warms up and the fish begin their spawning rituals. Many fly fishers chuckle about the notion of panfish being hard to catch on a fly. These anglers likely only fish for bluegills and other sunfish during the ideal conditions that present themselves during late spring and summer. Trying to catch panfish on the fly just after ice can be a bit of a challenge.

Fly Tying With Sheet Foam

December 14, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

Foam fly patterns come in all shapes in sizes for fish both large and small.

Sheets of inexpensive closed-cell foam have long been used for fly tying. This versatile material can be found everywhere and can be used to create an endless variety of flies and bugs for warm water fly fishing. Foam sheets can be found in local craft and variety stores, even your neighborhood Walmart carries the stuff. Of course, your local fly shop will carry sheet foam as well but often with an inflated price tag.

How To Consistently Catch Big Bluegills And Other Panfish

June 19, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

Though small panfish are often easy to catch, larger specimens like this fine bluegill are a different story once the spawning season is over!

Large bluegills are not the pushovers their younger siblings are. While it is true that larger fish may be easy to catch while on their spawning beds, once the spawn is over truly, large panfish can be some of the most elusive freshwater fish to catch. In this article, I will discuss some of the things I have learned over the years to catch larger bluegills and other panfish consistently.

The Pennell Wet Fly - An Early Season Favorite

March 22, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

The Single Feather Pennell Wet Fly is a year round favorite, but it is particularly effective early in the season.

This season like many in the past it is the fly I am apt to select a Pennell Wet Fly from my box more than any other wet fly or soft hackle. Granted I have a lot of confidence in the pattern because I have been fishing it so long, but it is mostly because it catches fish.

Five Tips for Winter Fly Fishing For Panfish

February 8, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

Even when things are cold and dreary you can still catch fish. Calm sunny days offer your best chance at success.

Nothing cures cabin fever better than putting a good bend in your rod on a winter’s day! These five tips can make that happen!