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Productive depths range from

as shallow as three feet down
to the deep weed edge, which
may lie in 10 to 15 feet of
water. Keep in mind that all
areas of the bed are not
created equal when it comes to
attracting fish. Use sonar and
an underwater camera to find

sweet spots such as points,
open pockets, holes and travel
corridors within the bed.

Active panfish hit a variety of
presentations. Northland

Fishing Tackle’s 3/32-ounce
Forage Minnow Spoon (pictured below) is a great choice right now, loaded up with a piece of plastic,
waxworms or eurolarvae. Horizontal jigs like the Bro Bug and
pint-sized heavyweights like the tungsten Mitee Mouse are top
picks, too. To cover your bases, pack a manageable variety of
your favorite panfish lures and tippings and see what the fish
prefer.

The downside of the first-ice blitz is the fish can be more
vulnerable to the effects of cold fronts and other adverse
environmental conditions—so time your trips to coincide with
stable or otherwise favorable weather.

First ice is also a
time for

extreme
caution.
Wearing a life
vest, keeping
ice picks handy,
and checking the ice every few feet with a spud bar or
chisel can help prevent tragedy while you’re enjoying all
the great panfish action early winter has to offer

Based in Walker, Minnesota, noted fishing authority
and outdoor communicator Chip Leer operates Fishing
the WildSide, For more information,
www.fishingthewildside.net. Call (218) 547-4714 or
email Chip@fishingthewildside.net.