Although the bluegill population remains stable with multiple year-classes swimming in Delavan, DNR fisheries biologist Doug Welch said the average size has gone down from previous years’ surveys.

“The average size of the dominant year-class of bluegills is about 7 to 7.5 inches,” Welch said. “There are still occasional 8- to 8.5-inch fish turning up, but most of the fish you’ll catch through the ice this winter will be about 7 inches, maybe smaller.”

Bluegills also tend to school by size, with any specimens over 8 inches that remain in the gene pool being extremely proficient in biting lightly. Because larger ‘gills have learned discretion in feeding ensures survival, the heavy bulls tend to hold at the outside edge of deeper green weeds. Catching more than three or four whoppers in a limit is unusual.

Between now and ice-out in March, the active feeding window for bluegills will typically be at dawn and dusk, or ahead of an approaching weather system. When cardinals start singing and geese are moving north, it’s time to head back to Delavan’s west end. But don’t forget to wear your PFD.

Bluegill anglers tend to develop personal favorite lures over the years. A lifetime on the ice has taught that presentation is almost always more important than bait profile or lure color for catching these fish. You can spend a wallet full of money on little ice jigs. If you’re just getting into the sport of ice-fishing and have limited funds, there are several baits that are killers on Delavan ‘gills.

My favorite bluegill weapon is a No. 10 or No. 12 green/black Marmooksa. Batting second is No. 10 black Rat Finkee. Third is a gold Demon, with the chartreuse/hot pink one always being handy. The Marmooska has an inherent advantage because placement of the hook’s eye allows presentation in a horizontal orientation without “tweaking” the knot. With the Rat Finkee and Demon, the pull of a fat bluegill coming through the hole will move the knot around so that the hook hangs vertically. Catching subsequent fish requires moving the knot around so the lure hangs horizontally in the hole.

Here’s another tip: Leave those wax worms at home! This is the fourth winter I have refused to use live bait for bluegills. Waxies, mousies, spikes and maggots all die. Then they freeze, leaving you with a Copenhagen can that can double as a cheesy rattle but won’t catch any fish. If you want a cheap thrill, simply face the wind and open the can. There’s nothing more invigorating than eyes full of sawdust. Plastics never die, never freeze and are not packed in sawdust.

Anybody who wants to partake in a “battle of the baits” for a sizable wager can find me on Delavan’s west end or out from Lake Lawn Lodge in the blue Fish Trap portable tent with “game warden inside” written in Sharpie marker on the front. This signage -- when coupled with mumbling and talking to yourself -- works wonders at keeping others from invading your space.