Mason/Kitsap County Bluegill

[TheStovePipeKid]

Does anyone have a good read on bluegill in the Mason/Kitsap area? I live on the Key Peninsula and I'm trying to locate some good fishing for my kids who are 10 (son) and 6 (daughter). I'm just looking for something that we can get into that will provide consistent catching for 30 to 60 minutes to keep them engaged. My son and I brought in some trout before the heat set in and that got him interested and I'd like to make some good memories. Suggestions for other fish and areas are welcome. I'm not expecting secret fishing holes, just things to get me started like "this lake has good bluegill". I have a 12' foot aluminum boat with an electric trolling motor and oars for motorless lakes. Thanks in advance.

[MADMAX]

Wildcat lake
Kitsap county

[Jake Dogfish]

Square lake has a lot of pumpkinseed.

[Grousehunter19]

Wildcat lake
Kitsap county

[ASHQUACK]

Mason Lake in Mason County is loaded with yellow perch and so is Island lake in Mason County. You can catch trout and bass as well.

[Bullkllr]

Last time I was there, Bay Lake was absolutely loaded with decent sized brown bullheads (the catfish kind).

[TheStovePipeKid]

Thank you to everyone for the great responses. I'll post up some updates when I hit these locations.

[Harbor_hunter]

Hang out in the channel at Mason Lake using a wedding ring with worm and you will get lots of action!  Yellow perch, red eye, pumpkinseed and maybe a bass. Great fishing for kids.

[TheStovePipeKid]

Wildcat lake Friday. Took home a bass, a nice perch, and three nice bluegill. Let several smaller ones go. Combined with five bass I got from tee lake I had a pile of fried fillets.

I made it to Mason lake but had some equipment issues so I'll be going back for perch and dump some crawdad traps. Square lake is next up.

[Blacklab]

Good times👍

[birdshooter1189]

I used to catch lots of bluegill and pumpkinseed from square lake.  About 10 years ago the beaver dam washed out or was destroyed. since then the water level is 2-3' lower than it used to be. Much of the perimeter of the lake that used to be 2-4' deep and covered in lillypads and full of bluegill, is now about 1-12" deep and mostly devoid of fish.  I think habitat loss and increased fishing pressure have taken a heavy toll on the bluegill. Last few times I tried there I struggled to find and catch just a few.  There are still a few around though.

I've heard Horseshoe lake is loaded with bluegill.

Recenly I caught lots of small (2"-4") bluegill from carney lake.  All around the lake.  A lot of them were about 50' from shore, right in front of the public access.

I've caught a few larger bluegill on small lures.  I've caught TONS of bluegill on fly hooks, little ones and big ones.

My favorite bluegill rigs:

--Torpedo float (bobber) with 3' leader and a size 12 or 14 adams fly or similar. Cast out over bluegill and retrieve slowly.

--Bobber with 3' leader, with a size 14 or 12 dry fly tying hook with a piece of small worm.  Real works best when fish are finicky, artificial often works great also and lasts longer.  For the fake worms I break off about a 1/4" to 1/2" long piece and thread it onto the hook however you prefer.

https://www.berkley-fishing.com/powerbait-power-floating-trout-worm-1317147

https://www.amazon.com/XFISHMAN-Hooks-Curved-Fishing-Assortment/dp/B07SLC3VSG/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=dry%2Bfly%2Bhook&qid=1692806083&sr=8-6&th=1

--Dropshot weight. 6" to 18" above the weight, tie a 4" leader to a dry fly tying hook and piece of worm. Cast out and just drag it slowly across the bottom. Pause occasionally.

Also, these are a must-have for removing little hooks from bluegill's small mouths:

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Life-Hemostat-Curved-Forceps/dp/B00062N42S

[birdshooter1189]

Also, if you can see the fish near the surface near you. Tie on a dry fly hook and piece of worm like i mentioned above. No weights. you should be able to sling it about 5-10' (not really casting since it's too light to cast).

Watch the worm as is slowly falls. The bluegill will likely rush to it and bite it. Give a quick tug and enjoy your catch!