Hurray it's the first day of spring on the calender. Although we are having cooler than average temps the ice fishing season will be extended this year. Travel conditions have improved with the slight warm up last week and four wheeler travel will be great. Snow totals and drifts were knocked down and that lessened the slushy areas on many lakes in the area.
Crappie: Expect to do some drilling and moving around during high light conditions through the day. Fish are moving around in deeper basin areas before dark when they move in to feed on shallow flats. Many of the fish I caught were suspended half way down in all depths I targeted. Bro Bugs tipped with Dave's Wedgees proved to be the jig presentation of choice to get the fish to commit. I actaully downsized the Wedgee due to fish not getting hooked and grabbing at the tails. Minnows were also used on tip downs once I settled on a spot for the evening bite. Regular crappie bait and rosies were used with downsized treble hooks. Gills were suspended right with the crappies. Any times I marked fish on the bottom of the Vexilar i dropped down to get them active.
The current weather forcast shows daytime highs in the mid 40's and nightime lows dropping into the 20's and teens. With this pattern i see some lakes in the region holding ice for a considerable amount of time. Any locations with running water should be traveled with caution due to currents increasing with run off. Good luck and tight lines!!!