Courting Bluegills

Bluegills are one of the most widespread and common fish in Nebraska.

They are also one of the most interesting.

This time of year most anglers know it is not hard to find colonies of spawning bluegills.  A patient person can catch some of those fish.  Patience is required because the males guarding the nest are much more interested in guarding and herding a willing female onto the nest than they are in biting.  Nonetheless, if you can hover a bait in just the right place, long enough, you can get at least a few to bite.  By the way, those large, nest-guarding males absolutely should be released (read more about that down below).

While you are on the water, take some time and just watch.  Here is some of what you might see:

Courting Bluegills