As the ice thins, crappies begin moving from wintering holes toward their eventual spawning areas. Predict their seasonal movements to stay on top of the fish.
In this article, we will discuss how to locate crappies during late ice. Crappie fishing can be a lot of fun, especially when using plastics or euro larvae. While the size of the crappie may not always be significant, the action and excitement of catching these spotted bad boys is what matters most. Let’s dive into some tips on finding crappies during late ice.
Understanding Crappie Behavior
Crappies tend to behave differently depending on the type of lake they inhabit. In shallow lakes with little structure, crappies may roam the main basin during winter. On the other hand, in deep lakes, crappies often avoid the deepest sections and prefer areas with depths ranging from 30 to 40 feet.
To predict the migration routes of crappies during late winter, it is essential to examine a lake map. By doing so, you can identify potential areas where the fish might be headed come springtime. These areas could include shallow bays , river mouths, or even shallow man-made channels. These locations offer the necessary food and cover for crappies once they penetrate the shallows in spring.
Determining the Migration Route
Once you have identified the potential spring areas, you can predict the migration route of the crappies by drawing a line between their winter and spring locations. This line represents the path they are likely to follow as they move towards the shallows. It is along this path that crappies should be located during late ice.
However, it is important to note that the crappies may not be located at the exact midpoint between their winter and spring areas. Instead, they are likely to be somewhere along this path, and your job is to determine how far they have moved and at what depth they can be found.
Finding the “Goldilocks” Zone
When locating crappies during late ice, it’s like a Goldilocks situation – not too shallow, not too deep, but somewhere in between. Crappies tend to prefer a depth that offers the right balance of temperature, oxygen levels, and access to food.
To increase your chances of success, start by fishing at a moderate depth and gradually adjust your depth until you find the sweet spot. Pay attention to your sonar or fish finder to gauge the depth at which the crappies are most active.
Tips for Late Ice Crappie Fishing
Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your late ice crappie fishing:
- Use Plastics or Euro Larvae: Plastics and euro larvae are effective bait options for crappies. Experiment with different colors and sizes to see what the crappies are most attracted to.
- Keep Your Bobber Down: When using bobbers, keep a close eye on them. Crappies can be quick to bite, so be ready to set the hook when you see any movement.
- Stay Mobile: Late ice crappie fishing requires staying mobile. Since crappies are constantly on the move during this time, it’s important to be able to quickly adjust your location and depth to find active fish.
- Use Electronics: Utilize sonar or fish finders to locate schools of crappies and determine their depth. This will help you target the right areas and increase your chances of success.
- Vary Your Presentation: Crappies can be finicky, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different presentations. Try different jigging techniques, retrieve speeds, and bait colors to see what triggers the most bites.
- Stay Safe: Late ice conditions can be unpredictable, so always prioritize safety. Check ice thickness regularly, wear appropriate clothing and gear, and fish with a buddy whenever possible.
Conclusion
Late ice crappie fishing can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. By understanding crappie behavior, predicting migration routes, and finding the “Goldilocks” zone, you can increase your chances of locating and catching these elusive fish. Remember to use the right bait, stay mobile, and stay safe on the ice. Now, get out there and enjoy some action-packed crappie fishing!
