This week we have been targeting metro crappies and bluegill.
Horizontal baits have been the best… tungsten with plastics and small swimming lures. The fish have been moving through quickly, actively feeding. Clam Pro Tackle Drop Kick jigs in size 8 tipped with XL versions of Maki plastics… so the Polli, Jamei or Mino in XL have all worked well. Also small swimming lures are working… we have a new bait coming out from Clam Pro Tackle for next season I’ve been CRUSHING them on, you’ll get to see it this summer when we release new products ;) Also a few fish being caught on Pinhead Pro jigging spoons, but the horizontal presentations continue to win lately.
Fish are mostly shallow still, under 10 feet of water. Shallow flats with scattered weeds, muddy/sticky bottom. Some fish are even moving into and around the pencil reeds… oxygen-rich environments. A lot of fish cruising right under the ice and migrating.
Right now the key term would be safety… especially as our lakes are losing ice fast and conditions will become unsafe. We’re in that transitional period between ice fishing and open water—at least in our area. So right now the key term is safety. Open water will be here soon enough!
My ice fishing season is officially done now… but it’s about time to jump in the boat!!
Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson Outdoors
www.mattjohnsonoutdoors.com