Throughout the winter, crappies are one of the most popular targets for ice anglers. Most seasoned hardwater anglers are no stranger to the all-too-familiar crappie bite in the pool. It’s a relatively elementary pattern: crappies move into soft-bottomed pools to feed on schools of blood-thirsty worms and zooplankton. And anglers follow.
While these bites are fairly predictable, the truth is that not all crappies move to deep water during the winter months. In fact, many anglers pass right over the best fishing spots on their way to the commons.
In my experience, the catchable population of crappie resides in kelp beds throughout the season.
Recipe for success
Generally speaking, the best weed-oriented crappie lakes feature clear water and established weed lines exceeding 12 to 20 feet. Most often, ideal locations include subtle depressions in gigantic weed flats, the edges of main lake weed points, or submerged islands covered in vegetation.
As with other styles of fishing, hole drilling is generally the name of the game. Main Objective: Locate lofty, vertical green weeds.
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Once located, initial fishing can be done with customary 2D sonar, forward-facing sonar, or an underwater camera. That said, forward-facing devices and underwater cameras are arguably more productive because they provide a much larger view of the area below the surface.
Finding the right weeds
Finding the weeds is one thing, but finding the right weeds is the most vital factor.
In our area, cabbage is a real magnet for fish. In fact, it is not uncommon to find a mix of species using a given weed bed.
Crappies and bass will often hang higher in the column, while bluegills and walleye will stay closer to the bottom.
A key element in locating weed-based crappies is cutting holes. Typically, the initial search involves holes spaced 100 to 200 feet apart—that is, until areas holding fish are located.
Once a suitable area is found, holes are drilled in a checkerboard pattern, placing them approximately 25 feet apart.
Since the weedline bite often occurs in shallow water, drilling holes can sometimes scare fish away from the area. That said, once things placid down, the fish will often return.
Various baits
For these perch we typically operate a wide range of techniques, lures and tactics that depend on the mood of the fish.
For aggressive fish, micro spinners are recommended, such as VMC bull bucketminiature rattles such as Crazy rapand miniature gliding baits such as Dancing rapare great for attracting fish from a long distance.
Because grass-feeding crappies are often aggressive, live bait is not always necessary.
For negative or neutral fish, miniature tungsten baits tipped with yielding plastics, Eurolarva or wax worms can be key. In these scenarios, less aggressive tactics are necessary. Cadences go from aggressive movements to simply shaking the bait in place.
For crappies in the weedline, position is key. We usually fish the bait near the top of the weeds. For example, if the weeds are 5 or 6 feet up, we fish the bait about 5 to 6 feet up.
As with open water fishing, ice fishing rods depend on the fishing technique.
St. Croix makes a variety of ice fishing rods for all species of fish. When it comes to these scenarios, I have two rods that I prefer: Micro Bucket (28 inch LXF) and Wolfram Tamer (28-inch MLXF)Both rods are excellent with specific baits and work like a one-two punch for weed-based crappies.
On the front lines, 3-pound Sufix Ice Magic is demanding to beat. It is yielding, effortless to handle and made specifically for outdoor fishing in frosty weather.
Crappies are not only found in deep water. In fact, the best fishing spots are in shallow water. Don’t spend your winter just visiting community spots. The best fishing spots are just a brief walk from the landing strip.
