But while this has been happening over the past decade or so, weed growth has also taken hold. The silt provides a footing for the plants. And so, those areas that are silted are also choked with weeds, including lily pads in many spots around the lake. That’s helped the bluegill population by giving them acres and acres of prime bedding grounds.

That population is scattered around the lake and can be found in nearly any cove or cut. Still, some areas have produced for years and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Two of the best are the Crooked Creek and Pine Grove Slew areas.

Both are located at the upper end of the lake and are closed until early April at waterfowl resting areas. That might hurt some fishing but not the bluegill fishing. In fact, it helps it in some ways. First, it gives the fish an opportunity for several months of peace and quiet. It allows them to return to their normal living patterns, unaffected by anglers and angling pressure. Second, it allows them time in the early spring to move, unfettered by human activity, into their spawning grounds. It’s a great place to fish!

Another hotspot on this lake is north of the dam, on the east side of the lake. Local anglers call it Moores Creek. It’s a long creek, located in a major bay. If the weather’s good, it can get crowded on the weekends with pleasure craft from the marina and bass anglers fishing weekend tournaments. But like most creatures that live around humans, the bluegills get used to all the commotion.

The trick to fishing either of these places successfully is to find small holes in the shallow-water grass flats and lily pad fields that cover these areas. Fish every nook and cranny you can find. Bluegill fishing on Monroe is about fishing slowly and carefully, not running helter-skelter around the lake looking for the honeyhole of a lifetime.

MISSISSINEWA LAKE
Mississinewa Lake was profiled last month as a great place to crappie fish. It’s in the spotlight again because of its bluegill population. The double coverage is well deserved.

Located in north-central Indiana, a short ways from Fort Wayne, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundment was designed as a flood- control project. Water levels vary widely from season to season. In May, assuming normal weather patterns, it’ll cover approximately 3,000 acres.

As the water warms in April and May, it also rises and floods submerged brush, grass and other forms of structure and cover. It can become surprisingly thick and twisted during the fall and winter drawdowns and so, much like the crappies, the bluegills follow that water up the bank looking for food and a place to build their nests.

The best bluegill fishing can usually be found around any grass that has sprouted on the dry ground from last fall. Green is better than brown, but brown is better than nothing. The fish will typically conceal themselves in the heavier patches. If there are a few willow bushes or other forms of wood in the vicinity, so much the better.

If spring comes a little early in 2008, or if it’s been especially hot of late, the best bite is usually early in the morning or late in the evening. If you must fish during the heat of the day, try to find shade in deeper water. And make sure your bait hangs in the strike zone just a little longer.