I often use indicators for panfish both on stillwaters and in creeks. My favorite indicator is one I've NEVER seen mentioned in the fly fishing lit - a little, tiny Thill float. They're 2 for $2 at BP and work like a champ. About 1 1/4 inch long, very light and streamlined. I also use them when indicator fishing for trout.

For bluegills on stillwater I often find this technique deadly when the fish are suspended near standing wood. In a local lake the gills will hang 10 to 12 feet deep near some standing wood on a very steep shoreline. I like a small beadhead or san juan worm tied with a bead. I use straight 6lb floro leader and place the indicator on the looped mono butt attached to my fly line. That way the fly hangs vertically below the float. This is classic "float and fly" fishing transcribed to warm water summertime conditions. It works even better in the winter!

Joe C.