Because of this pattern, Mississinewa bluegills don’t pack into tight schools like they do in many other reservoirs. They tend to scatter here and there as conditions dictate. Panfishing is a moving proposition on this body of water.

That’s not all bad, however. When you catch a big bull from a spot, make sure you mark it with your depthfinder or make a note of it somehow. It’s likely that another one will move into the same spot within hours, sometimes within minutes. On some days, you can load the boat by simply moving back and forth over a 100-foot stretch of good bank.

There are four improved ramps, along with several other unimproved ones, on Mississinewa that’ll handle fishing boats.

SALAMONIE RESERVOIR Salamonie is a flood-control reservoir on the Wabash River in the northeast corner of the state. At normal pool, in the spring, it’ll cover around 2,700 acres. Water levels on Salamonie vary dramatically, however. Fluctuations of 25 feet or more are common. In the spring, water levels are more stable and more or less reliable.

The bluegills grow big here. Recent reports have them averaging between 8 and 9 inches with the biggest pushing the 11- and 12-inch mark.

Most of the bigger ones are caught around the flooded bushes and brush that populate the shoreline. Frequently, there’ll be some flooded grass or vegetation and that’ll make the fishing even better.

Many local anglers will follow the water in spring as it rises. Every few feet of rising water will cover more brush and greenery. And it’ll attract more bluegills, too. Look for places that are close to deep-water drops and channels, but don’t fish in deep water, fish the areas near deep water.

Nearly every creek, slough and backwater cut on the lake will hold a stringer of keepers. Because of the extreme water fluctuations, there’s never a shortage of wood, drift, stumps and greenery to attract and hold bluegills. What’s important about fishing Salamonie is not so much where you fish, but how you fish.

Don’t fall into the trap of fishing where everyone else is fishing. That won’t do on this lake. Try to find spots with rising water, near channels and cuts that offer the bigger bluegills a suitable place to spawn. That’ll take some time, but it’s time well spent. The fish tend to scatter here. It’s not a place where you can park your boat and catch fish all day long.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to scout likely fishing spots several days or weeks before you go fishing. That way you’ll know exactly what’s along the bank before the water covers it and how the fish are likely to respond to it.

If you’re new to Salamonie, a good place to start is Rush Creek. It’s well marked on most maps and not at all difficult to find. It’s also heavily pressured. Still, it’s responsible for many bluegill dinners each year.

Work your way back into this tributary fishing any grassy stumps, laydowns or drift you can find. And don’t be afraid to fish behind another boat. The bluegills, especially the big ones, move in and out on Salamonie. They may not be there when one fishing crew passes but may arrive just in time for the next.

Ways To Catch ‘Em!
Regardless of where you fish for bluegills this spring, there are three good ways to catch them.