We saw a limited number of anglers through the doors last week as the snow cover is a factor for many. The temperature looks to be holding steady during the coming days, but last week was one of those gut-punch late winter weeks, with that snow to start it out. We had a couple of nice days after that, but not enough to really change the conditions on the lakes and shorelines much.

Ice is holding but it’s definitely getting sloppy in some places, with layers of slush and pitted ice on top of the solid base. Now is the time of the year to use extra caution on ice like the Chain, where there is current. We’ve yet to see or hear about any big issues, but ‘tis the season and things can change quickly – especially on those extra-nice and sunny days, and particularly on South facing shorelines.

Perch fishing has been pretty good area wide. These fish will be very active over the next few weeks as the weather warms, leading up to the spawn. Anglers are reporting decent catches of nice sized perch using small minnows and waxies. You will find these fish in many different spots in the weeds and on deep mud flats, so you may have to do a little searching to find them.

Crappie action has been decent. These fish are hanging in schools in the deeper water on most lakes. Small minnows rigged on tip-downs usually work best for deep water crappies at this time of the year. You’ll find these fish anywhere from right on the bottom to suspended at different depths in the water column. Late afternoons and evenings have been the best time to catch crappies. Start fishing right off the bottom and move up in the column if you’re not having luck.

Bluegill action has been fairly slow. On some of the deep, clear water lakes you can find them suspended in the deep holes. Small jigs tipped with waxies or plastics work best in these situations. On shallower lakes, anglers have had some limited success catching bluegills in the weeds. Overall, bluegill action will increase with warming temperatures. Hopefully we will see that happen this week.

Let’s all collectively wish for some nice spring weather moving forward. We all know it’s coming eventually, but the waiting is the hardest part!

Good luck and good fishin’!