Popper fishing for bluegills is probably the best introduction to fly fishing a person can have. But it's also something I like to return to, year after year. "The easiest way to learn to use a fly ...

You tie a small, panfish popper on your fly leader. I generally use a No. 10 or 12, high-floating popper. Then add an 18 to 24-inch piece of leader. Tie this onto the bend of the popper hook.

I tie regular flies in between completing the steps in popper making this time of year, but that is filling the time between poppers.

“The key to enticing nearby bass or large bluegills with a popper is patience,” said Allan Schreffler, Northeast Region educational specialist for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Just tie the popper on to the fly line leader with a loop knot and leave about 24 inches on the tag end. Then tie a rubber spider or other fuzzy fly on a number 12 hook to the tag end, adjusting ...

"Bluegills have been the species responsible for introducing more folks to fishing - whether it's fly fishing or conventional fishing, than any fish I know," said Pope, himself an early convert.

Fly fishing is not as difficult as conventional anglers might think. Here's what you should know about catching bluegill and other panfish on the fly.

After catching literally thousands of bluegill ranging from a few ounces to more than two pounds, I'd have to agree with that statement completely. And right now is the very best time to try for ...