Fly Fishing for Panfish

Panfishing

"Most of the world is covered by water. A fisherman's job is simple: Pick out the best parts."

Charles Waterman

Fly fishing for panfish is popular and an exciting way to savor the outdoors while catching these fun and tasty fish. Panfish are freshwater fish that include bluegill, crappie, perch, and sunfish; they can be found in many different bodies of water around the world. With beautiful colors, feisty personalities, and fun-sized size, they have become a favorite among anglers young and old. Fly fishing for panfish uses lightweight equipment and small flies.

This makes it a great activity for beginners and experienced anglers. Panfishing is an affordable, maintainable, and an easy to access activity that can be enjoyed year-round. It does not matter if you're fishing in a hidden stream, small pond, or a busy lake, the peacefulness of the surroundings, the focus on what you are fishing, and the tranquility of the water will help you to disconnect from the stress of daily life because the angler is focusing on the present moment. This blog will present the many species of panfish, recommended fly fishing gear, tips for choosing equipment, different fly fishing techniques, and numerous other aspects of fly fishing for panfish.

What is a Panfish

Panfish are small freshwater fish that are popular among those who like to wet a hook. You can catch them with any kind of fishing set up. However, you are missing out if you are not using light tackle. Panfish are sought after for both sport and food. Some of the more common kinds of panfish include bluegill, crappie, perch, sunfish, and rock bass.

These fish are found in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, and they are caught using many different styles of fishing including fly fishing, spinning, and baitcasting. Panfish are considered a great fish for beginners and children to learn how to fish, the abundance of panfish will no doubt put a permanent hook in any new aspiring fisherman. They are also considered to be a great source of food for many people.

Why Are Panfish So Popular

Panfish are popular for several reasons:

Accessibility: Panfish can be found in most freshwater areas and are easily caught using basic fishing gear and techniques. This makes them a great pick for experienced and beginner anglers alike.
Versatility: Panfish can be caught using a multitude of fishing styles, including fly fishing, spinning, and baitcasting. Because of this it allows the angler to use different techniques to find one that works best for them.
Good Eating: Panfish taste good and can be prepared many different ways including: fried, smoked, grilled, or baked.
Size: Because of their size it makes them a great option for children and beginners to fish. They can be caught in large numbers just increasing the chance of having an awesome day fishing.
Good Sport: Panfish can be strong fighters making them a great sport fish. They are known to be a great fish to catch on fly fishing gear.
Year-round fishing: Panfish can be caught through all four seasons, anglers can enjoy fishing for them all year long. Making them a great option for those who enjoy fishing whenever the oppurtunity arise.

Panfish are popular because they are accessible, versatile, great eating, fun to catch, good fighters and can be caught all year round.

Panfish an Overview

Panfish are classified as number of small freshwater fish that are popular among anglers. Panfish are a fun fish to catch when using light tackle and are good for both sport and food. The more common species of panfish are bluegill, crappie, perch, sunfish, and rock bass. You can find these little gems in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, and they can be caught using many different angling styles including fly fishing, spinning, and baitcasting. Panfish are a great species of fish for beginners and children to learn how to fish.

Popular Panfish Species Include:

Bluegill: are found in most freshwater ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams throughout North America. They are loved for their small but mighty size and vibrant colors, they have a dark blue and purple body and bright orange or yellow fins. Bluegill are known for their aggression making them popular for beginners and children to catch. They are a great option for fly fishing, because they are attracted to small flies and poppers.

Crappies: can be found in freshwater lakes and rivers across North America and are known for their small size, but larger than bluegill, and delicate flavor. They can be found in shallow water around structures like weed beds, fallen logs, and brush piles. Crappie can be caught with different techniques, like jigging, casting, and trolling. They are a great option for fly fishing, they can be caught with small streamers, wet flies, dry flies and poppers.

Perch: are a freshwater fish found all over the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are a member of the Percidae family, this includes yellow perch and walleye.

Perch are identified by their elongated, laterally compressed body, usually they are green or yellow with dark vertical stripes. Perch have two dorsal fins, the first is spiny and the second fin is soft-rayed and have a single anal fin, located near the tail.

Perch, a popular sport fish, are often caught by anglers using different types of techniques, which includes fly fishing, spin fishing, and baitcasting. Many anglers use Perch as bait for larger fish species, where lawful, such as pike and bass. They are an opportunistic feeder and will consume a wide variety of food, like insects, worms, crustaceans, and other small fish. They will also feed on aquatic plants and algae.

Perch can be found in a wide variation of habitats, which include streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Oftentimes Perch can be found in shallow, weedy areas, weed edges, breaks in structure, and around other structures like logs, rocks, and weed beds, and in deeper waters near drop-offs and channels.

Perch are known as hard fighters and their delicious taste, which makes them a great addition to any angler's bucket list. And like Crappie they can be caught with small streamers, wet flies, dry flies and poppers.

Sunfish: like Bluegill are found in freshwater across North America. Sunfish are usually found in shallow water around structures like weed beds, fallen logs, and brush piles. They are also loved for their small but mighty size and vibrant colors, they have colors depending on the sub-species of sunfish. They are known for their aggression making them popular for beginners and children to catch. They are a great option for fly fishing, because they are attracted to small flies and poppers.

Rock bass: These are a little fish that have received a bad name as a garbage fish. They are also known as redeye bass, they are a species of freshwater fish that are native to North America. They are in the sunfish family, Rock bass are typically found in streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes, known for their distinctive red eyes and dark, mottled coloration.

Rock bass are usually smaller in size, with adults averaging around 8 inches in length. Known for their aggressive feeding habits and are usually found in schools. They are a popular sport fish for some anglers, they can be caught using a many different techniques which include fly fishing, spin fishing, and baitcasting. Despite what some say they also make a good table fare.

Rock bass are hard fighters and are a great fish to target with light fly fishing gear, 1x-3x. They are also a great fish to target when fly fishing in small streams and creeks, as they are often found in these types of environments. They are also a popular fish to target during the spring and summer months, when they are actively feeding and spawning

Gear for Panfishing

Fly fishing panfish can be fun for experienced anglers of all skill levels. But if you want to have the best experience, it is imperative to have the right gear. We are going to discuss some recommended fly fishing gear for panfish, including rods, reels, and flies.

To begin with, let's talk about rods. A fly fishing rod for panfish should be a lightweight fly rod. Panfish, being small, don't require a lot of power to reel in, so it is recommended to use a rod with a fast action with a weight rating of 2-4. This light equipment will allow you to make precise and delicate casts. This is important when targeting panfish. Try to find a rod that is about 7-8 feet long because this will allow you to have the perfect balance between power and control.

Next, we'll cover fly reels. A fly reel should be designed for panfish; it should be lightweight, with a smooth drag system and having a perfect balance with the fly rod. If the reel has a good drag system it will allow you to reel in any fish with ease. Having good balance with the rod will make casting and reeling in the fish more comfortable. Find a reel designed for 2-4 weight rods making sure it has a good drag system being perfectly balanced with the fly rod.

Third, let’s talk about the most important part of any fly fisherman's fly fishing gear: the fly. When considering panfish, you’ll want to use small flies that copy the insects and other items that panfish feed on. Some of the popular flies to use for panfish will include small poppers, streamers, wet flies, and nymphs. Try to find flies that are designed to use when panfishing, because they will be the right size and color to attract these small fish. There will be many different styles of flies for all of the different seasons that you are fishing. So when you are fly fishing during the spring and summer months using small poppers and wet flies work awesome for panfish because they copy the insects and other creatures that panfish feed on. On the other hand during the fall and winter months, nymphs and streamers are effective because they replicate the insects and minnows that the perch feed on.

Additionally, it's important to have a good selection of tippet. Tippet is the thin line that connects the fly to the leader. It's important to have a variety of sizes and strengths to match the size and strength of the panfish you are chasing. Try to find a tippet that is between 2X-4X in strength, always be sure to match the size of the tippet to the size of the fly.

Finally, fly fishing for panfish can be a fun and rewarding experience, but you have to make sure you have the right gear. A fast action, lightweight rod at a weight of 2-4, a lightweight reel that has a good drag system balanced to the rod. A good selection of small flies that copy the insects and other small aquatic creatures that the panfish feed on, a selection of tippet, are all essential pieces of gear when fly fishing for panfish. When you have the right gear, you'll be able to catch more fish making you have a more enjoyable time on the water. Always check the local regulations and don’t overfish the area, make sure to keep in mind the conservation of the species.

Different Fly Fishing Techniques for Panfish

Dry Fly Fishing:

Dry fly fishing is a popular way to fly fish for panfish, this allows anglers to imitate natural insects and other small aquatic creatures that panfish feed on. When you are dry fly fishing, anglers will cast a small dry fly onto the water's surface and wait for a panfish to inhale the fly. Dry fly fishing is best used in the spring and summer months, when panfish can be found in shallow waters where they are actively feeding on insects and other small aquatic creatures.

Nymphing:

Nymphing is a technique used for panfish that allows anglers to replicate the small aquatic creatures that panfish feed on. Fly fisher’s cast a small nymph or wet fly onto the water's surface letting it sink while they wait for a panfish to hit. This style works best when used in the fall and winter months. During the winter months panfish will move to deeper waters where they actively feed on the small aquatic creatures that live in the deeper areas.

Streamer Fishing:

Streamer fishing is a popular way to fly fish for panfish, streamers allow anglers to imitate the small fish that panfish feed on. When fishing with this imitation, anglers will cast a small streamer onto the water's surface, count down the IPS (inches per second of the sinking line) and begin to retrieve the streamer with a natural style retrieve. Wait for a panfish to take the fly and set the hook. These are best used in the fall and winter months, when panfish are found in deeper waters and are actively feeding on small fish.

Flies	Materials	Fly
Adams	Hook: 12-18, 1X fineTMC 100, Mustad 94833, Daiichi 1100 Thread: 6/0, 8/0 Black nylon Tail: Grizzly and brown hackle fibers mixed Body: Dark gray Muskrat fur dubbing Wing: Grizzly hen hackle tips Hackle: Brown and Grizzly mixed Head: Black thread
Black Gnat	Hook: Tiemco TMC 100 16-20 Thread: 6/0 Black Wing: Black hen hackle Tail: Black hacle fibers Body: black Ringneck Pheasant Tail Hackle: Black dry fly saddle Head: Black thread
Poppers	Head: popper tying head Hook: size 2 streamer long shank hook Hackle: Saddle hackle Thread: natural kevlar Body: Chennile to match Wings: Colors that match choosen pattern Glue: to attach head Note: Be creative
Elk Hair Caddis	Hook: sizes10-20 Thread: Tan 6/0 or 8/0 Tail: None Body: Tan fur Wing: Light Elk or Deer hair Ribbing: Fine gold wire Hackle: Ginger, palmered Head: Tan thread
Wooly Bugger	Hook: streamer long size 2-10 Rib: Gold, sliver, or copper wire Thread: 6/0 use color to match body Tail: Marabou matched with body chenille crystal flash Body: Chenille (olive, black, purple, brown, green) Weight: .20 lead wire Hackle: saddle hackle that matches body Head: Black
Grasshopper	Hook: Long shank size 12 Thread: 6/0 black Body: Black or yellow closed-cell foam Tag/Tail: Red wool Thorax: Peacock Diamond-Brite Legs: Pre-knotted pheasant tail fibres dyed black Wing: Natural roe deer hair

Presentation

The correct presentation of the fly is an important step when trying to fly fish for panfish. This can be accomplished by using the proper casting techniques:

Lightweight rod: Panfish, being small, using a fast action lightweight rod with a weight of 2-4 is ideal. This rod setup will allow you to make accurate, and intricate casts that are necessary when targeting panfish.
Practice casting: Practice makes perfect, this is could not be a truer statement especially when it comes to fly fishing for panfish. Take some time to practice casting, so you can place the fly right where you want and it needs to be this will help you catch more fish.
Be a Ninja: Panfish spook easily, make sure to use the skills of a ninja using a stealthy approach when casting and presenting the fly. Be quiet, and move slowly when approaching the water.
Longer leader: Use a longer leader when casting the fly to panfish. The longer leader will make the fly fisherman make delicate, accurate casts and it will help you keep the fly in the strike zone longer.
Slower retrieves: Panfish are attracted to slow-moving or dead flies, which makes important to focus on a slow retrieve, paying attention to this when the fly fisher is casting and presenting the fly. Doing this will help you keep the fly in the strike zone much longer, increasing your chances of catching fish.
Natural Presentation: Panfish feed on natural insects and other small aquatic creatures, making it important to present your fly in a natural way. Copy the movements of the natural food that the panfish feed on.

Finding Panfish

Shallow waters: Panfish love to hang out in shallow water, that’s why it is important to find areas like the edges of weed beds, near fallen logs or brush piles. Try to find areas where the water is less than 3 feet deep.
Structure: You can find Panfish around structure, like rocks, logs, and brush piles. Find areas where the water is moving slowly and with plenty of rocks, logs, and brush piles for the fish to hide.
Forage: Panfish will focus on areas where there is plenty of food, like insects, small fish, and other aquatic creatures. Your focus should be on areas where there are plenty of bugs, minnows, and other small aquatic creatures that the panfish feed on.
Cover: Panfish will most congregate where there is plenty of cover, like weed beds, fallen logs, and brush piles. These areas will help hide the panfish from predators which makes them feel safe.

Location by Season

Spring: Panfish will commonly be found in shallow waters, try to look for places like the edges of soon to be weed beds, around fallen logs and brush piles. In the spring most species of panfish will also be moving into the shallows to spawn. Focus on areas where the water is less than 3 feet deep. The fish will be hungry after a long winter and they will be more active as the water warms up. When spring arrives panfish will be found near the surface, so you’ll want to use flies that imitate the small insects and aquatic creatures that they feed on. A dry fly or a small nymph are great choices in spring.

Summer: In the summer after the spawn the panfish can be found in deeper waters, like the edges of deep weed beds, near fallen logs or brush piles. Look for water that is more than 3 feet deep. This is because as the water warms up, the panfish will move to deeper water to help them stay cool. During the summer, panfish will be more likely to be found at the bottom of the body of water you are fishing, try to use flies that imitate the small small nymphs, streamers and larva.

Fall: With the changes that fall brings, panfish will typically be found in shallow water, they will gather around the edges of weed beds as they are dying down, fallen logs and brush piles. Once again, look for areas where the water is less than 3 feet deep. As the water in other areas cools down, the panfish will move back to shallow waters to feed. In the fall, panfish will be found near the surface, so you’ll want to use flies that imitate the small insects and other aquatic forage that the panfish feed on. You can’t go wrong when you try a dry fly or small nymph.

Winter: In the winter, panfish can be found in deeper water around rock piles, sunken islands and breaks in water depth. As the water cools down, panfish will retreat deeper to follow the thermocline to help them stay warm. As winter progresses, panfish will find refuge on or near the bottom, it is important to use flies like small nymphs and streamers.