Clear Water Gills

[iFishMN.YT]

I am heading out today in search of some bigger gills, I will be trying a crystal clear lake and am wondering what advise you have for this situation. I have very little experience on real clear lakes.

I am looking at a nice sized weedy area, but am worried it may be too shallow with the clear water. Another option is just on the edge or outside the weedline...and if I cant find fish relating to the weeds, I am looking at a "saddle" area between 2 deep holes, the sattle comes up to about 20fow, deeper on both sides.

Now which would you target first on a crystal clear lake remembering I am looking for the bigger fish.

I will post results when I return, hopefully I can find some but I have never fished this lake with success on the ice. Thanks for any help!

[Ray Esboldt]

On clear lakes, I like weeds and deep rocks. If you can find weeds that end in rocks, that's a nice combo. If you're looking at weeds, it's good to find some standing up. Clumped up bottom weeds are typically not that great, mainly because they are dead. I start on the edge and start working onto the flat. I've been as shallow as 4 feet of water under 2 feet of ice this time of year.

I think rocks have been a better option this year for me. I've always assumed that bigger gills are OK with rocks and open water, but the little guys steer clear of it. I guess that makes sense since all the predators are OK with rocks as well.

[iFishMN.YT]

Thanks for the advise, I believe there is an area on one end of this saddle that is a point that has rocks outside the weedline so I will give this area a try. I will move onto the big weedflat if first spot fails.

[iFishMN.YT]

Didnt spend much time out there, couldnt talk anyone into fishing with me. Marked fish in deeper water where I hope was some rocks, but didnt get any takers. Didnt tie on any new jigs and gave up. I will get back out there and try again when I can find someone to go with me!