Winter decided to remind us of who’s still in charge this past weekend and into the beginning of this week. We are surely all hoping that by mid- to late-week temperatures will start to climb again. This is classic Northwoods April, and anyone surprised by it hasn’t been up here long enough.

Ice conditions have deteriorated noticeably over the past week. Reports from around the area indicate that very few anglers are venturing out, and frankly, that’s probably the right call for many folks right now. The overnight temps dropping back below freezing this week will firm things up some in the mornings, but the cumulative effect of the warming trend and the mixed precipitation we’ve been having is adding up. Current areas and anything near inlets or outlets should be considered off-limits at this point. If you do go out, do it early, stick to proven routes, and don’t push your luck. No fish is worth going through.

Perch remain the best reason to brave the late-season conditions for those willing to make the effort. They are in full pre-spawn feeding mode and can be found working the shallower mud flats as well as weed edges. Small minnows and waxies are still your best bet. The fish have been decent-sized, and when you find them, you can usually stay on them for a while. Mornings when things are firm are your window.

Crappie fishing has slowed a bit compared to recent weeks as the fish sense the transition coming. They’re still deep — look for them in 14 to 20 feet, either tight to bottom or suspended mid-column. Tip-downs with small minnows remain the consistent approach. Don’t give up on late afternoon; that window still seems to produce.

Bluegills have been edging shallower as conditions allow, which is a good sign of things to come. Small presentations in the 6 to 8-foot range along weed edges will find you some fish on the right morning. They are on the move and getting more active, which is one of the better pieces of news this week.

For those still getting out on the ice, mornings are your time — get out early while the surface is firm and plan to be off well before afternoon on any day the sun decides to show up. The transition is happening quickly now. Pay attention, trust your instincts, and know that every day we get closer to the other side of this.

Open water isn’t far off. Boat ramps will be busy before you know it, and the opener will be here in no time. In the meantime, this is a great week to pull out the open-water gear, check your hooks, respool your reels, and get ready. We’re really getting there now!

Good luck and good fishin’!