Bluegill

For some classic bluegill action near Lexington, Oklahoma, you’ll want to explore the smaller ponds and creeks that dot the landscape. While the South Canadian River is better known for catfish, the backwaters and oxbows it creates can hold decent populations of bluegill. Also, smaller private ponds (with permission, of course) are often overlooked gems. Spring and early summer, during the spawning season, are peak times. Look for shallow, weedy areas where the bluegill are bedding. A simple bobber and worm setup is hard to beat, but small jigs and crickets can also be very effective. During the hotter summer months, focus on fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when the bluegill are more active. A local tactic is to chum the water with bread crumbs or crushed crackers to attract the fish and keep them in your area. Remember to practice catch and release to help maintain the bluegill population for future fishing trips.