Bulrush and reed edges, common to large lakes, are other environments favored by pre-spawn bluegills. Oftentimes the edge forms a shelf or overhang where bluegills have a chance to pick at aquatic morsels. Submerged timber acts like bulrushes when it comes to generating heat. Submerged and towering wood saturates sunlight and converts it into heat. Flooded timber zones also host throngs of aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae, which bluegills welcome the opportunity to feed on.
Bluegill feeding on larger clearer lakes tends to peak during low light periods.
Excessive sunlight in unprotected areas is bothersome to a bluegill's vision. But more importantly, the presence of predators alters when and where sunfish gather during late ice. As predator activity wanes toward dusk sunfish commence foraging. Bluegills, especially big ones, will even feed after dark. Stained and murky water lakes give way to an 'all day' panfish bite.