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Weeds & Wee Plankton For Active Panfish
Cory Schmidt

Under ice, especially in clearer bodies of water it seems that we often do find the denser concentrations of zooplankton toward the north end of the lake.

Plankton, as we know, do react to changing light levels. Perhaps this is slightly analagous to lichens growing primarily on the north sides of boulders in the woods. Or the fact that the south facing sides of tree trunks harbor much more insect life than the north side.

All this is directly attributable to the sun-- its warmth and/or its light.

Maybe that all sounds like an overcomplication of the issue, but for me, these are all good lessons that can be applied to help better understand aquatic life. (And help us catch more fish!)

In bowl shaped lakes (some of the biggest panfish swim in these), the gameplan does change a bit. First, much of the panfish population (bluegills & crappies) in these lakes spend a majority of the time suspended over the deepest water. Hopefully, the lake's small enough to cover quickly. If you find fish, but can't get 'em to go, often the evening/nightbite is the ticket.

The second option on these lakes-- especially toward later ice-- involves the largest shallow flats the lake offers. Even if we're just talkin' a relatively small patch of good weeds in 6 to 12 feet of water, give this spot a thorough check.

Come late ice, panfish seek out these shallow "grazing" areas. Use the information your lake map tells you-- best tool for starting the search.

A final tip related to these shallow weed flats. Look all around the lake’s shoreline. Fish nearest the shorelines that are rimmed with the nicest stands of hardstem bulrush (if available). Best areas are obviously the ones that extend the farthest into the lake basin—- more room for the fish to move, feed and eventually, spread out and spawn. Real late in the ice period on warm, overcast days, you’ll occasionally find ‘gills up cruising under the ice in 3 to 6 feet of water.

Hey, have fun-- and take ‘er easy.

-a friend called Toad

Red Pine Resort
Ice Fishing on Kabetogama.