Finding them? Deep/shallow water?

[Jason Kreklow]

Hi all, I'm new here, but love bluegill and glad this site exists. I have a public lake near me (its not Koshkonong) that has a very good bluegill & sunfish population, with alot of Large mouth bass that are just under legal limits. Lots of weedy shallow areas, 2-5', then 6-9' before weedless drop off to a 30-40' depth. Other species in this lake are flathead catfish and lots of northerns. Not much for structure (logs, trees, stumps, etc) found. I have a depth finder, bells & whistles, etc. My problem is the first time I fished it this year, in 6' of water, caught alot of nice bluegills, around 6-7' about 2 months ago. Tried the same spot, just longnose gar. Next time fishing, caught everything but bluegill. This is on the south side of the lake, in a little bay. Lots and lots of boat traffic in the lake, skiers and such. There's an east side, which holds bass and sunfish, but not much for bluegill caught there. Am I missing something? Most of the bluegill I catch now are around 3-4" long. It's a new lake to me and still learning it. The north side has proved useless. I have fished with a slip bobber, 4lb mono, ultra lite rod & reel, #4 & #6 hooks, with panfish worms. Any help or suggestions would be great. Would love to try spoons, but can't find any locally.

[Jason Kreklow]

Actually its Ripley, but have been wanting to get to Whitewater lake, and I know nothing of that lake. Thank you for the heads up! I didn't think bluegill went that deep!

[John Cachel]

I agreed with 2lbgill for drifting and it wouldn't hurt to try! Other method to try is inside thick of weeds, look for open pocket and fish down there and watch your float go down. Also check out right edge of weedbeds like sharp turns, point, steep drop, etc!
Worms is great and buy some leeches, too!

[Jason Kreklow]

Went out a while tonight and explored the lake a little more, did some drifting which rendered no bites or nibbles.. Went from deep (25') into the shallows of 2'. Tried the other suggestion of fishing the thick weeds, and that produced small yellow perch, LM & SM bass. Average length of 8". Did get some gills! Only 2 that were 4" long. Going out tomorrow early and going to try the same spot as well as also in deeper 8' weedbeds. Wish me luck! Thanks for all your help guys!