early ice

[only-eyes]

is there a good early ice bite for crappies on Red? or is it a more hit and miss thing till late season. The earliest I have fished it was mid January and we did well, but nothing like the late season bite. Thanks for any help. only-eyes

[crappiescout]

It is more of a hit and miss situation, These fish during early ice are on the move looking for food, and in order to stay on a good bite you must move very frequently, although we have sat in one spot and caught one after another. Then later in the year they are more stationary and only move at the peak periods.

crappieSCOUT

[Bobberboy]

crappieSCOUT

How is the early northern bite? Can a guy get by not heading out to for to fish them? I don't have a 4 wheeler.

"Your bobbers down!"

[crappiescout]

Bobberboy, There is a break that drops down from 2 feet to about 6 feet,that is one of the best spots for pike,and it's only about 400 yards out.No need for a 4-wheeler,give us a call!

crappieSCOUT

[only-eyes]

thanks crappiescout

[Drake]

Just talked to Hillmans who said that their access is open to those wanting to go out on foot or wheelers. She said that Buddy Hillman was out there now and he was out working on the road about 4 miles and had measured 4" to 6". A couple of anglers had ventured out and brought in four crappies each. Sounds like the southshore had a little bit of a problems when the ice opened up and is refreezing so there are spots that are only a couple inches. It's still early so be careful if you're heading out and talk to the access owners about the conditions before heading out.

[ATM]

I have never gone out of hillmans how far would you guess I would have to walk to find a fishable depth I dont have access to a 4 wheeler at this time. Adam

[crappiescout]

If its crappies your after, the depth that is usually our ticket is around that 12-13 feet of water, and in order to get that its around 2 miles or so out. But I have caught them as close as only a mile off of shore. So you never know, the only way to know if they are there is if you try it.

crappieSCOUT