Fishing report March 16, 2023

March 19 is the deadline for anglers to remove their ice shanties from inland waters north of Hwy 64, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Green Bay.

Bass:
Bass anglers can legally target but not harvest both largemouth and smallmouth at this time. For largemouth, work mid-depth to deeper weeds and weed edges with fatheads and shiners on tip-ups. For smallmouth, focus on deeper weeds, rock, and hard bottom points with live bait, plastics, Jigging Raps, and similar lures.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good to very good. Fish are scattered, with some slowly moving toward spring spawning areas, some holding on deep weed beds and edges, and some suspending across the water column (check the entire column). Top baits include crappie minnows, fatheads, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on tungsten jigs are very productive.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good to very good, but expect a light bite and downsize tackle and offerings for best success. Fish are starting to move nearer to shallower spring spawning sites. Baits of choice include waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks fished with “delicate” presentations.

Perch:
Perch fishing is good when you find them. Look to shallow, weedy areas and mud flats. Small spoons and jigs with waxies, plastics, small minnows, and minnow heads work well, with live bait usually working best. Tip-ups and tip-downs with live bait are also catching fish.