Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

     We have had a lot of rain here in Oklahoma over the last two weeks. Some lakes are two, three and in places four feet above normal levels for this time of year. I'm sure we all know how this effects spawning Sunfishes.

 

     In my part of Oklahoma we have soils with high levels of iron oxide. Do any wade fishing right now and your "tidy whities" will be as red as the infield dirt at Yankee Stadium. Think crushed brick red. Since these soil particles are clays (very small, very light in weight) suspended particles muddy the water around here for weeks.

 

     What I would like to do is start a disscusion on how to deal with high water and turbid conditions. What do you do different, or the same, when fishing in high and/or muddy water? Do you look for clear water or change tactics to deal with conditions? Does going deeper help? What about topwater? Do you think Bluegills, Red-ears and the like stay on or near their nests even with the reduction in sunlight or increased silting-in?

 

I know "muddy" and "high water" are subjective terms and mean different things for folks accross the country but give it a go. Unless you fish in Death Valley you have had to deal with elevated lake levels and off color water.

 

So... let's hear it. How do I catch fish with the crappy conditions I have?

 

    

Views: 2212

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

High water has me chomping at the bit , I've had to work on the pretty days , it's killiing me, but I'll get there, the fish are waiting for me.
WE'VE BEEN FISHING THE RIP-RAP LEVEES OF THE SMALL LAKES AFTER HEAVY RAINS. FISH WITH WORMS ON THE BOTTOM JUST OFF THE ROCKS. THE GILLS AND CRACKERS SEEM TO FEED ON WHAT IS WASHED DOWN. THE FISH ARE'NT ON THE BED YET HERE THOUGH.
High water levels with muddy, murky water mean I go to a little black popper.  Sling it out, pop the snot out of it once, let it sit for about a minute or so, the short strip it in.  Sound seems to draw 'em into visual range, and the black shows well against the surface.

I tell ya what guys, I sure would LIKE to be dealing with high water right now.

 

Truth is, we havn't had any real measureable rainfall in my area since November. We had some good snow in January. Once it all melted the ground wasn't wet for even 24 hours.

 

You would think with low water and no inflow the water would be "Gin Clear". NOPE, 30-40mph winds have kept everything white-capped and stirred up.

 

I'm not complaining (well.. I am but not meaning to dwell on it). The conditions have forced me to hunt for new places and stretch my skills. It's been kinda fun exploring and a new challenge to go to places that aren't a slam-dunk.

 

Keith

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's status
"We are exploring/learning the three permit lakes late in life. Today was Canistear Reservoir. Hot…"
Tuesday
John Sheehan posted a status
"Just dink smallmouths and Largemouth Bass for Greg and I, fishing a third Reservoir this year."
Tuesday
John Sheehan posted photos
Tuesday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Sunrise Shellcracker…..7/23/2025

"I love your kind of fishing!"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Sunrise Shellcracker…..7/23/2025

"I’m very fortunate that the fishing  in coastal North Carolina is so great and most…"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

JULYWP

"Summer colors on this white perch!"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

JULYP

"Nice Yellow John….good colors"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Often bass fisherman will catch Warmouth on 9” worms……..they. don’t fight…"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"This is a great comparison John…..I added another photo to give perspective….."
Sunday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Sunrise Shellcracker…..7/23/2025

"I sure envy you, enjoy!"
Sunday
John Sheehan replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Hey Jeffrey! Does the Warmouth have about the same sized Mouth as a Black Crappie of equal size, or…"
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Jul 23
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Some quality Warmouth I caught in my early years on the Albemarle….."
Jul 23
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
Jul 23
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
Jul 23
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Jul 23
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Thanks for sharing John……you have patterned your available species pretty good over…"
Jul 23
John Sheehan replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Only caught five of these Species up here in New Jersey. Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Red Breasted…"
Jul 23
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Crackers Saved This Morning Behind A Cold Front…..7/23/2025

If I get out the remainder of July it will probably be a crappie stalk on the coastal marsh……
Jul 23
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Jul 23

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service