I was also confused by the new regulations, so I did some checking around. This is what WalleyeMaxx posted on his thread, responding to my question.

Hi Jeremy,

That's a very good question. I was confused on that myself until a couple weeks ago. I called Dave Nueswanger, the head fish guy for Hayward. I also got an email from the DNR fisheries dept in Madison. The scoop is the panfish is open year around including crappies and the bag limit is 25/day, possesion 50.

I want to repeat that Crappies are included now. The DNR came up with these changes so late in the game that every one was confused. Myself, I have never ice fished the Big Chip except for the Nov. deer hunting week in years past. I'm not familiar at all with the areas to watch for except to say use common sense. Any current area could be dangerous and any necked down areas between a lot of the islands could be Iffy.

Read Carl's report. He went from the nursery to pork barrel island. Jerky Josh reports that he saw open water in crane creek. I read somewhere that there was open water by the bridge on 'CC'. You could call Ty Sennett and ask him for advice on ice conditions. He has been ice fishing the Big Chip.

After your trip, report back here how you do. I am trying to get a ice fishing trip to the Flowage planned. I know of some spots I would really like to ice fish for Crappies. I've got so much to do to get ready for open water fishing, it'll be hard to get er done, but I'm going to try. Hope this helps you out.

Walleyemaxx