Bluegill

Decaturville, Tennessee, offers some fantastic bluegill fishing, particularly in the many smaller lakes and ponds scattered throughout the area. These waters, often less pressured than the larger reservoirs, provide ideal habitat for panfish. Spring is prime time, as bluegill move into the shallows to spawn. Look for bedding areas in quiet coves and around submerged vegetation. A simple bobber rig with crickets or worms works wonders. Alternatively, try small poppers or dry flies in the late evening for some surface action. A local tip: many of these smaller lakes are accessible via county roads, but be respectful of private property and always ask for permission where necessary. The bluegill here tend to be good-sized, a reflection of the relatively light fishing pressure on these hidden gems. Don't overlook the tailwaters below dams on the Tennessee River system either; they often hold surprisingly large bluegill.