Panfish Popp'n Tactics

Spending a weekend in the mountains catching trout after trout is fun, but popping plenty of panfish at the lake can be equally as enjoyable. The local lake is the perfect place to learn house to fly fish without risking catching a tree or another person. in this article I will review a few tactics and flies I personally use to all my Bluegill and Crappie.

The lake or a local pond with a lot of back cast space is the perfect place to practice fly fishing. The fish are easy to catch and don't require much skill to reel in. Personally I prefer to fish for a lake from a boat. It ensures that you won't catch anything on your back cast. Fishing from the shore will work as well, but it is harder not to catch and trees. Another advantage to fishing from a boat is the fact that most of the small fish you'll catch are near the bank. This allows you to have some fun, attempting to see how far you can cast your line.

Let's talk about fly selection. When fishing for panfish you'll most likely be fishing in the summer when more fish are actively feeding. In North Carolina you will have the best luck with the most standard flies on the market. These flies include the mosquito, tan hopper (terrestrial), and the adams. The adams and the mosquito work best in a size 14 while the Hopper will work best at a 10 or 12. The size of the fly will work best if it represents the size of an actual insect. There will be no nymphs or wet flies used while fishing for summer panfish. The most common insects during the summer in most places are the typical mosquito. That's why I recommend the mosquito and the adams. These flies are great representations of the real thing.When casting for panfish such as bluegill you'll want to look for struts protruding from the water. This can be anything from a downed tree to a fishing pier. Fish such as the Bluegill love structure like this. If you can get within three feet of your fishing structure a fish will eat your fly right up. If you don't get any bites then there are no fish there, move on.

Overall cashing panfish with a fly rod is a great way to pass the time. It's a fun and easy activity that even the first time fly fisherman can do. It's always a great feeling to have a fish on anytime take your bait, especially when it's your first time. So, take your buddies, girlfriends, boyfriends, and homies out to the lake and try it out.

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