Bluegill

For bluegill enthusiasts, Fort Mill, South Carolina, offers some excellent opportunities to tangle with these panfish in the Catawba River system. Ponds and smaller lakes connected to the main river channel are also productive. Spring and early summer, during the spawning season, are arguably the best times to fish. Look for shallow, weedy areas and beds of lily pads where bluegill congregate to nest. Small jigs tipped with waxworms or crickets are deadly, as are small poppers and dry flies presented on the surface. A key to success near Fort Mill is to fish early and late in the day to avoid the midday heat, especially during the summer months. Many of the smaller ponds are accessible from the bank, offering easy access for anglers without boats. Remember that bluegill forage changes seasonally, so experiment with different baits to see what the fish are keying on.