Winter is almost over (W1)

Winter may be coming to an end. Regular ice anglers already are noticing an important rite of late winter: Sunfish are moving into shallower locations. They’re anticipating spring food sources coming shallow. A number of things trigger this movement. Melting ice delivers food and more oxygen to the shallows. Photoperiodism is another key. The angle of the sun is their calendar. Low oxygen is a factor during a long winter like this one. Thick ice, plus snow atop it limits light penetration and photosynthesis. A lot of people have been complaining all year because they are having a hard time marking the fish. This is because the fish are constantly moving to stay alive. Once some of this oxygen-rich melt water hits lakes, however, it rejuvenates fish. That’s why late, late ice is prime time to catch crappies and sunfish.  Basic locations for these fish are shallower bays, and you should use the same baits and lures from the heart of winter. You need to get more aggressive and step it up a bit from jigging to the hook set. If you can find green weeds, or a consistent bottom of sand or mud, such substrates can hold these fish. Try to use your camera. Watch for anything different, like a hard-bottomed bay where it transitions to weeds. If you have running water down a hole, that fresh melt water will have fish underneath. A severe cold front can push crappies back into deeper water in the spring. Amp up your bait with wax worms or silver wigglers, but stick with basic jigging actions. However while you are late season ice fishing make sure your number one goal is always to stay safe. This time of the year is perfect if you want to catch a lot of fish that are on the move. Get out there and enjoy some fish.