Page 67 - ODUMar-Apr2019

Increase Your Success During Late Ice

Four Late-Winter Tips for Catching More Panfish

By Jim Edlund

Seek, Drill and Stay Mobile for Late Ice Crappies. In smaller, shallower lakes, crappies are typically

located and caught throughout much of the winter season over main-lake basins. In large, deep lakes,
however, they tend to avoid the deepest areas and use flats, humps and basins ranging from 20 to 40
feet deep. But crappies are also notorious for suspending. Depending upon conditions, they can be
found anywhere in the water column, creating an additional variable in the angling equation.

As the ice-fishing season nears its end, crappies transition from deep water wintering areas towards
shallow bays, channels and river mouths in preparation for spawning. Depending on where and when

you fish, concentrations of
crappies will be present along a
relatively straight line between
these distinct areas.

Once you’ve identified
attractive areas, gas up the
auger and get to work. Use your

GPS to confirm your location on
the ice, and pick a variety of
sweet spots over the particular