Sunday - Bluegill on Chickamauga

[JC1]

Since the willowflies are out I decided on a relaxed day with the fly rod rather than a more "challenging" day with the baitcaster. What a blast! Found a pretty good hatch above Sequoyah and trolling motored along the shore for 1/2 mile or so and just wore them out. Bluegill,small shellcracker,some brightly colored pumpkinseed, little largemouth and even one smallmouth seemed like were just taking a number to see who could be next to hit my popping bug. It was a great way to spend the dry part of the day!JC1

 

[DHaun]

Great Report JC1! Sounds like that's the way to go right now - I used to fish with small poppers tied to a spinning reel behind a bubble years ago (didn't have a fly rod). I was thinking it might be an easy method for my kids to learn. Any color or size seem to work better for you during the hatch?

 

[JC1]

A chartreuse Hops popper in #8 or #10 works everytime. Yellow, white and/or orange also work well. JC1

 

[JC1]

As a side note I've always said that fly rodding from a boat with poppers this time of year is the best way to learn or improve on flycasting. These fish are willing and so presentation is not critical to catching and you don't have to worry so much about your back casts. Being up off the water a little also makes perfecting roll casting alot easier. The fish will also hit most dry flies and small streamers. Catching these fish while learning removes alot of the frustration of begining to learn flyfishing and sharpens your game when you go after the much more wary and particular trout!
JC1