Trophy Bluegill

It is no secret that I have a real passion for trophy Bluegill.  To this day I have yet to catch a Bluegill over 2 pounds, but I keep trying.  I don't recommend anyone who fishes Minnesota set 2 pounds as their trophy mark, as they are very very rare.  However, Bluegill over a pound or greater than 10 inches can be found in many lakes across the state and with some careful planning you can find yourself that trophy you are looking for.

I have had the opportunity to fish Bluegill in 5 different states and no matter where you fish, Bluegill over 10 inches are hard to come by and are considered a trophy in most people's book.  Granted, as you head South the growing season in much longer and you will find less fishing pressure, both of which will help grow big bull gills. But, to find those fish in Minnesota you have to do some planning.

First you need to fish a lake that can grow big fish.  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical and chemical characteristics.  In basic terms, if you are looking for a lake that can grow big Bluegill you need to find a lake that is eutrophic or fertile enough so that the fish grow fast.  Generally these lakes carry a higher number when classified by the DNR.  These lakes are usually easy to recognize because they are relatively shallow lakes with heavy weed growth in the summer and often times hard to fish.  However, in the winter as the weeds die off, the fish can be easily targeted as their movement becomes very predictable.  Picking a lake that can grow big fish is paramount in your quest for that trophy Bluegill

Second, you need to time your efforts.  Fishing a lake during mid summer when weed growth is choking out the lake is not a good plan.  I prefer to target trophy lakes prior to the spawn when the females are full of eggs and will weigh the most that they will for the year.  Bluegill are prolific spawners can handle the pressure of being targeted during the spawn, however, releasing most of the fish this time of year is a good idea.

If you are not much for summer fishing and just like to ice fish those trophy gills there several additional things to need to consider.  I target trophy Bluegill in shallow water early and late ice but mid winter, you will find me chasing them deep around the basin areas of most lakes.  Timing when and where you target fish is another key to being successful.  Just putting time in on the lake only takes you so far, you have to fish the big fish where they feed.

Most lakes that can grow very large Bluegill don't have a huge population of Bluegill.  Most of these lakes are well balanced with a good predator population to keep the numbers of small fish in check.  In addition, in most lakes the very large bluegill stick together.  If you find you are catching a lot of small fish there is very good odds that you are not fishing in the right area.  Once you find trophy class fish, you usually don't mark as many fish and they can be tougher to get to bite.  But, in most cases you can get a few of them to go if you can find them.

Lets assume now you did find some trophy class fish.  It is very important in most lakes to release the fish that you are not keeping for the wall.  Bluegill over 10 inches are rare and in some lakes can still grow bigger.  For the most part, in Minnesota your Trophy class fish are going to be near 8 years old and getting toward the end of their life expectancy.  However, many of the 10 inch fish you catch in a eutrophic lake can and will get bigger, so put them back to catch another day! 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Minnesota's great lakes.  Lakes such as Leech, Winni, Cass and Mille Lacs all have Bluegill populations that get very little pressure.  Because the fish get little pressure they are able to grow to a ripe old age.  In addition, these lakes are moderately fertile so the Bluegill can and will grow big in the absence of fishing pressure.  Fishing pressure has a lot to do with growing big bluegill.  Lakes that see a lot of fishing pressure where limits of eater size bluegill are kept daily have a hard time growing very large fish.  Because it takes so many years to grow a 10 inch bluegill, if a lake sees a lot of pressure, most of the bigger fish get kept and never see their true potential.

I hope that everyone that reads this learns a little more about targeting trophy Bluegill and in addition, learns the importance of putting some of those trophy fish back to grow even bigger.  Minnesota has proven in can grow Giant Bluegill so good luck and make sure you have your camera with!