This week we have been focusing on panfish in the metro, with the occasional bass, pike, and walleye showing up. Jigging spoons and tungsten have continued to be key. I’m still relying on the Pinhead Pro in 1/32 and 1/16oz… colors don’t seem to matter as much, but the gold variations and the wonderbreads are always good places to start. Then for tungsten, I’ve actually been fishing a little larger to get down quicker and intercept the schools, as they have been on HYPER-SPEED lately!! So, a size 10 or even 8 and then a larger plastic to match, like a Polli XL. Even the bluegills are crushing it, so it’s not just for the crappies!
Edges of basins continue to produce. The nontypical patterns are still working and these fish are relating to the outer-rim of basin areas and roaming. I’ve done well in the weeds as well, and even some gravel spots on occasion. Seems like the numbers are roaming those basin edges though and you just have to be willing to move to catch the better fish.
Safety is now the name of the game for my area. The recent snow is going to make an impact and honestly make a lot of lakes dangerous to go on. So at this point of the season my best piece of advice for a new lake (or any lake) if to practice caution and check the ice conditions and just be safe.
Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson Outdoors
www.mattjohnsonoutdoors.com