Fishing the Tail end of May’s Bluegill Spawn

I am falling behind on my bluegill fishing this year, mainly because of the weather and the fertilizing of Walker County Lake. Heavy rains and cold fronts have put a damper on the bluegill fishing as well at Smith Lake. I will continue my quest, but I have to admit it will be tuff to reach my 50 fish limit for this year. If I do make the limit all the fish will come from Smith Lake. I found out yesterday they have dumped another two tons of fertilize in Walker County Lake, so that will ruin my chances there for the rest of the summer. They fertilize every six weeks.

With all said I did manage to land some nice gills at the end of this full moon spawn on Smith recently. Most all the beds I found in the coves were vacant with the exception of one or two bluegills at times still guarding beds. Those were the ones I targeted with my popper. 

I spent very little time in one area, because I was looking for as many productive bedding areas as I could find. This particular place was kind of unique in that the bluegills had selected a small area between these two boulders to spawn. There were only 5 beds here with only one big bull still guarding a bed. I could see the fish in the super clear water, but getting him to take the popper proved a challenge. The fish would swim up to the popper for a few seconds and then back to guarding his bed. I finally decided to just let the popper sit for a while, which I assume annoyed him enough until he finally nailed it. I wish I had this one on film; he put up an epic fight on the 3 weight.

It was like him saying “get the hell out of my space”!!!!

Under the tree limbs and next to the rock wall is a favorite bedding place for bluegills on this lake. I picked up one nice bluegill here with only 3 beds showing. I have found it very strange that only a few bedding bluegills will occupy areas in this lake. Usually when one finds bluegills bedding you can bet there are lot of beds with numerous fish guarding them, but not on Smith.

The three big bulls on top were worthy of the count today, with some small fish as an added bonus. Even the smaller fish can make you think you got a counter on for a while using the 3 weight. That is why I love fly fishing so much it gives the angler a chance to experience the thrill of the fight a bit longer. I never overkill when fly fishing, I always try to match my tackle to the prey I am pursuing. With today’s catch I am now 42 away from my quest.