October ‘gills

Bluegills are feeding up, biting good

October brings crisp mornings and cool afternoons to the Carolinas, and on blackwater rivers like North Carolina’s Lumber River and South Carolina’s section of the Waccamaw River, the change in season sparks excellent fishing for bluegill. These panfish remain active as the water cools, feeding heavily in preparation for winter, and anglers using the right bait and techniques can expect steady action.

Lumber River

On the Lumber River, bluegill thrive in the slow-moving, tea-colored waters that wind through cypress swamps and sandy banks.

In October, live crickets remain one of the best choices, fished under a small float near overhanging trees and root systems. Worms are another classic option, with red wigglers or nightcrawlers enticing bites when drifted along current seams and eddies.

Anglers who prefer artificials find success with tiny Beetle Spins in black or chartreuse, which flash and vibrate through the water to trigger aggressive strikes. Small poppers on ultralight fly tackle are also effective during calm afternoons, when bluegill rise to take insects at the surface.

With the Lumber’s dark water, bright or contrasting lure colors help bluegill locate baits more easily.

Waccamaw River

On South Carolina’s portion of the Waccamaw River, conditions are similar. Here, the river’s broad stretches of cypress-studded water and side creeks offer a wide range of bluegill habitat. Here, live bait still reigns supreme.

Crickets suspended under corks remain a top choice, especially when fished tight against cypress knees and submerged stumps. Worms also work well, particularly when dropped into deeper bends and holes where bluegill school up in October.

Artificial lures shine when anglers want to cover water. Small soft-plastic grubs on 1/32-ounce jigheads are excellent for probing creek mouths, while tiny spinnerbaits can draw strikes from larger bluegill holding in current breaks.

Fly anglers also do well on the Waccamaw by tossing foam spiders and small hopper patterns near grassy edges, where bluegill often linger in the fall.

Both rivers offer anglers a chance to catch not only high numbers of bluegill but also some solid-sized fish.

The key in October is to remain versatile, using live bait when fish are holding tight to structure and switching to artificials when covering broader areas.

Whether it’s the narrow runs of the Lumber or the wider backwaters of the Waccamaw, fall bluegill fishing provides fast-paced action and a chance to enjoy some of the most scenic waters in the Carolinas.