Still Spawning in NY - Couple Northern BG pics.

[Farm Hunter]

Looks like they are done with major spawning in our pond - lots & lots of BG fry everywhere.

I went to one of our local lakes this weekend and did really well on 8-9" BG - they were still spawning, though I'd say its probably waning. I was in my Kayak. Thought I'd share a couple pictures.

Here's a look at a couple.

These fish at this lake were all in great shape - and there were a lot of them fully mature.

FH

[John Sheehan]

Thanks for the photos FH!

[Rick Fuhrmann]

nice pics, looks like you had a good day !!!

[JP]

Good looking Bulldog's !

[Alex G.]

Beautiful fish!

[Jeff Soto]

As beautiful as the Florida Bluegill are in my local Lake Perris here in Southern California, I still really love the coloration and markings of the good old "Northern" Bluegill. Great looking fish! Rivals any Brook or Rainbow Trout.

[IceWarriorGill]

Hey FH, Looks like a great pond you have there and some dandy Northern BlueGill as well!!! I'm in NY too, Upstate NY--near Albany area and the Gills are still spawning here too!!!

[Farm Hunter]

IWG - I went to college in Albany in the late 80s. I used to fish the headwaters to Watervilet Resivoir in May to catch outsized gills. Do you know the spot?

I also would catch nice Crappie in the spring at the "Water Works" off Fuller Rd.

[IceWarriorGill]

Hey Farm Hunter, I know the Watervillet Reservoir spot and it has the reputation of having some Monster Fish (including Big Gills and Slab Crappies) in it...From what I've heard from some of my fishin buddies, there is no longer fishing access (or very limited access) to it due to local ordinances passed in last 5 years or so. Apparently the cops will always ticket you or make you go away if they find you fishin it...I'm gettin most of this info second hand from what people have told me, and there may be access spots I don't know about that one can fish without pressure from the local authorities...They told me that years ago the fish that used to come out of the Watervillet Reservior were incredible specimens (Monster Gills and Giant Crappies, as well as other trophy species)!!!

[Ryan H.]

Nice looking BG you have there! I was out Tues. on Sodus Bay and cought about 7 BG (I think, lost count) all catch and release since I was just getting out kayaking/fishing before work. Cought two with BIG bellies and quickly released them as I was sure they still had eggs. More eggs means more fish later on, and I can be patient!

I saw no fry yet, but the bay is just starting to get fairly warm, temp on tues must have been around 65-70 degrees at the surface.

Hope I can get out next week and catch more, Maybe keep a few to fillet and fry!

I wish I had my own pond...

[Jim Gronaw]

Indeed...the coloration of pure, northern bluegills are hard to match and a delight to the eye. Great catch!