I don't understand, if fish stop eating so much fish food in the winter (mine in TX have hibernated) because it's cold, how can some of the bluegillers fish under the ice? Why aren't those fish inactive too?
Well, The Bluegills aren't inactive they are in a slower state of being. They eat less during winter and move less. Remember these fish aren't moving great distances over the winter time, but they must eat to survive, so there located where food is. Weather it be under a deep dock feeding of alge or deeper fish feeding on small crustations or worms off the bottom.
I caught more than 70 gills today and more than 60 last week. I've located the fish and where they are feeding.The rest is history.
To answer your question, fish aren't inactive in your lake or state, there in there winter spots on your lake. My advice to you is check up on the local lakes around your area and read up on seasonal bluegill movements. Take what you learn from the two and put it into effect at the lake. It may take more than once but you'll get them.