Spring fishing is just around the corner!
Late ice fishing patterns are starting as the panfish are beginning to gather near potential spawning areas. With that said concentrate on the drop off near shallow spawning bays usually not too far from shore. Depths can range from 5-15 ft. Small jigs of just about any kind tipped with a waxie or spike will do the trick. Small black or glow white jigs seem to produce well.
The big crappies are heading into a tail spin of feeding activity. Look for schools of fish cruising the bottom rooting for blood worms during the day—sometimes shallow water such as 6-10 ft. During the darkness of night, look for suspended schools of crappies over the deeper water net to shoreline drop offs. These depths range from 15-30 ft. A small jigging spoon like a VMC Flash Champ or a JB Big bad Bo tipped with a wax worm will do the trick. No need for tungsten either, to shallow and the fish don’t care. So save your money. Pay attention to the water just under the ice. The fish can be cruising there looking for oxygen rich run off from melting snow and food as well.
Lotsa Fish! Lotsa Fun!
Minnesota Fishing Guide Service
www.minnesotaicefishhouserental.com
218-732-9919 320-291-0708