Gills

[BigBassn]

I have heard a little but not a lot about catching big blue gills on Table Rock, but when and where are they??? Do most of my fishing throughout long creek and havent caught a single one in the years i've been here, then again only fished for them once. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[Leonard]

BigBassn

I have lived with in 4 miles of table rock for over 30year...

ever time I have caught a big gill was around Big ceders cove, or in and around 86 bridge, or the north bank around Gages docks.. I have pulled out a few nice (pan size) gill over around the dam and moon shine beach.. but this has been years ago..

If I was to start hunting for big gills these would be the place to start.. and I would add the cove in and around Oakmont and dont forget the dock close to the in-water trees...

I would focus on the areas around 86 bridge...

Minnows, night crawlers, rooster tails... and even flip a wooly bugger or two at them.

Time of year I had the best luck was early may through mid july.. and in July it was early morning or late evening about the time the sun was coming up or setting..

Leonard

All of these locations has produced some nice goggle-eyes as well....

I would be more then happy to chase them with you as we would split the BOUNTY!

[Trav]

There are some that will top a pound a piece under the docks at Paradise Point.

[Phil Lilley]

I fish for them in June off main and secondary points, pea gravel best, in 12-15 feet of water on the bottom using crickets. We catch really big ones- good fillets. Great fishing for kids. I'm sure they can be caught at different times a year but others will have to educate us on that!

[Bill Babler]

Phil is absolutely right. Long shank cricket hooks and a bunch of the crusty rascules will get you into gill filets, in a hurry. I have the best luck in July fishing the points off the islands from Long Creek to point 5. Start as shallow as 15 ft. and move out to about 30, sometime the bigger fish are a mite deeper.

I use a very light line 2 to 4 pound test and a 1/8 to 1/4 oz. split about 18 inches above the cricket. Drop him to the bottom and fish vertically, letting the wind drip him on the bottom.

Bob Klien is just about the best gill fisherman we have on the lake, and just loves to catch-em. 417-294-4215. Give him a call, and you won't be disapointed.