Any Open Water Lakes Yet?

Are any of the lakes fee of ice yet?
Thanks, Bill

I drove around several Faribault lake this week end. Open water about 30 yards out around the edges, should be open this week.

Thanks, Bill

Bill;

What are your ice out, open water crappie tactics?

Where do you find them this early?

I normally hit small bays leading to feeder creeks.

Is this the norm?

Thanks for any input you may offer!!!!

Gary, yes small bays leading to feeder creeks can be good. Check the bays on the north side that have mud bottoms as the mud bottom will warm quicker than sand. The fish will want the warmer water and insects from that mud. Any canals with a mud bottom mixed with rock shorelines [rocks could be put there by owner of property] will warm faster too as the rocks will hold the warnth from the sun. Even canals that are on any side of the lake could see earlier action as shallow water will warm quicker than the main lake. Talked to TGIF [Brian] at the Walleye Searchers meeting tonight and he said that most of the lakes are ice free now in the Fairbault area. I like to use a bobber, split shot, hook and minnow for ice out crappies. And at times plastics like twister tails can work great too on a small jig and bobber. If you get out let us know how you do.
Thanks, Bill

Bill you ever hit the deeper water and find staging crappies before they move shallow?

Deep water off of points or outside of bays where they spawn. Especially look at the first drop off area on down. Jig and a minnow can be good for that or even a drop shot type rig will work. The fish will go in shallow ”before” the spawn for reasons of warmer water and food and that movement is not to be confused with the spawn. The spawn will happen later. If I don’t find them shallow then I’ll check the deeper water or if I spot them on the locator while entering the bay. They like to ”stage” outside of spawning areas in deeper water and will go in shallow for warmth and food.
Thanks, Bill