Open Water
The ice is 90% gone on most area lakes, The late ice bite was short and sweet. For late ice I like using tip-downs so I can spread out a bit and cover an area, We then drill a bunch of holes around the tip-downs and hole hop looking for active fish with our electronics, the active fish will usually hit any plastic or spoon dropped down to them. Now that the ice is gone and the water temps haven't climbed too much yet we are returning to the same areas with the boat. Electronics are important to locate the fish, slip floats and minnows work well, in a heavy wind I will drift small jigs and plastic thru the area. As the water temps rise the Crappie will move shallower and stage in the warmer water until shortly after they spawn.
The other excitement in the area for fishing right now is the annual redhorse run. It's in full swing right now with reports of good catches. This fish is a great fighter and is a fun sport fish for us in the northern part of the state to fish while the game fish season is closed. They are easy to fish, a 1/2 to 1 oz sinker and a number 1 or 2 hook with a gob of crawlers, cast out sit back and wait for a fish to hit. It is great action for the whole family. Redhorse are good smoked or pickled, some people even grind them for fish patties. Many bars and resorts have redhorse tournaments in the spring so it's also a chance to win some cool prizes.
Pictured is one of my fellow Ross's Sport Shop Guides John Kleczewski with a couple of Crappies that were caught on the last day out, Saint Patrick's day.
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John Carlson-N.P.A.A. #378
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