- Dry flies are the most fun way to catch bluegill, allowing you to watch the strike occur. Small poppers--usually fitted with tails made from deer hair or feathers--are among the most popular bluegill flies, as they create a splash that can attract fish. Foam flies are also extremely effective, especially when fitted with rubber legs to imitate spiders or ants. Standard trout dry flies, such as the Adams or caddis, can also work.
- While not as exciting as watching a bluegill hit a dry fly, fishing with wet flies can be just as productive. Nymphs, in standard patterns like the pheasant tail, are very effective when fish are in deeper water. Small streamers also catch fish and have the advantage of covering a lot of water. And no bluegill tackle box would be complete without a wide assortment of woolly buggers in a range of colors.
- Size is probably the most important consideration when selecting a bluegill fly. Bluegill typically feed on insects, so it is essential to select a fly that roughly approximates the size of a small bug. Color is usually a less important consideration, but sometimes the fish get picky. When in doubt, start with a fly that matches the color of the insect you are trying to imitate. If that doesn't work, switching to a bright color, such as a yellow or red, may attract fish and generate strikes.
- Bluegill are often suspicious of lures and will investigate a fly before biting. Accordingly, slow retrieves generally work better than fast ones. For example, when using dry flies, allow the fly to stay perfectly still for a few seconds after it lands in the water, and let the ripples dissipate before moving it again.
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