Summer Fishing Tactics - post spawn

[Adam Roth]

Just wondering what some techniques are for locating good sized post-spawn bluegills.  I am moving at the end of the month and will be fishing new lakes this summer.  Any and all tips appreciated ... i.e. what to look for on topo maps, depth/fishfinder, etc.

[J. B. Hillard]

I see you are in Indiana.  I suspect the water conditions are different up there than down here in the Floirda Panhandle, but the water is so low and the heat has been so intense we are very much into a summer pattern. 

Down here the best catches of bream have been with a fly rod and top water popper right after day light and late just before sunset. An hour on each end has been pretty good. The rest of the day we go deep to the bottom or near the bottom.

I fish rivers and creeks and locate fish out from the banks. Then move close to the bank and fish out in deep water. This is working pretty good.   Crickets have been the best bait.

[Adam Roth]

Thanks J.B.  Moving to Knoxville,TN in a week.  Have yet to bluegill/bream fish in the Sourh.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Try my banner string tip, the post for which is around here somewhere.

Briefly, it's a string of car lot "banners," with a weight on one end. Suspend it in about 20 feet of water, and maybe add a floating chum dispenser at the top (although some call that cheating!).

In essence, the vertical "quickie structure," with it's bright colors and waving movement is suggested to attract and hold bluegill.

The chum is an added benefit!

The flags can be found on the internet for $5-6.

 

[Patrick "Bullworm" Olson]

Adam, the first place I would start is the internet! http://www.tn.gov/twra/fish/fishmain.html I'm in Minnesota and found this link for ya. It looks like you can find topo maps, fishing reports and the such! I live down that way for a while. Richmond, KY to be exact and did not do much fishing. I was working way too much. The little that I did do was on friends farm ponds! That would be an excellent start as well. Knock on a door or two and ask them if you can fish their pond. Maybe offer to do a little clean up around the shore in exchange. Worse thing they can say is no. 

Another good way to approach this is to start hanging around the local bait shop. Get to know some of the regulars and ask them for some spots to go.  Heck, they may even offer to take you out sometime. Good luck!

 

[Vic Tankersley]

Adam, you will be real close to a lot of good fishing in Knoxville.A few miles south of town there is Lenoir City and the Dam at Ft loudon.  There is also the main River which comes through town. I am a novice at bluegill fishing and take most of my Bluegills and redear at pre spawn and spawn, but as the water heats the fish seem to go deep and are harder to locate. Thats when we go below the Dam at Ohatchee Al and fish about 6 feet deep right up next to the dam wall where the water has plenty of oxygen and is swirling, but not swiftly running. Look for eddy places they will hold Bluegill and other fish..Good luck..if all else fails you are in a great area for Trout and bass..

[Tom Beauchamp]

If you ever get into Nashville look me up or send a PM, it's easy to load up on gills on my lake, would be happy to take you out. I used to live in northern Indiana 25 years ago, used to catch most of my gills on weed lines, weed pockets, and under overhanging brush. I think you will like Tn.

[Adam Roth]

Thanks Tom if I ever get over to Nashville I will look you up.