Just got home from South Center and had a good day chasing crappies with my buddy Scott. We started fishing a couple spots in the shallow east bay looking for them, but only came up with sunfish there, mainly by the island. We next moved out over the deep water for the first time this year and after drilling about 20 holes we finally found fish. Our 2 best holes were in 38′ and 45′. For those of you that have fished with me there, you should know right where I am talking. The fish would aggressivly hit our jigs and grubs. I was using euro larvae and Scott used Berkly Power Grubs and there wasn’t a difference. Most fish were 8.5-10", and a mess of eaters was no problem.
The ice was a consistant 5" and there was a solid 3" of snow on top everywhere, with 12" areas common and larger drifts as well. Suprisingly, water wasn’t coming up all the holes. We had none come up where we set the house, but there are areas where the water has come up that are very slushy. If you are familiar with the lake, they are in the normal areas. If you are not familiar, take it easy. With the colder weather predicted this weekend atv travel should not be a problem, but always check. Good luck.
Thanks Mike! Looking forward to some panfish in my empty pan!
Thanks for the report Mike, I am planning on heading out there next week. Maybe we will see you out there.
Have a good Christmas
I took the wife up yest. It took a little longer to catch the fish, but they are still there. They seemed real lethargic compared to normal. Great day to be on the ice!
Thanks for the report Mike. South Center is a lake I really enjoyed fishing years back. Brings back fun memories.
Thanks, Bill
I have parents who live on the lake, we always set up by Pancake Island, never been out to that deep area you are referring to, are you talking about the main part of the lake off of the big point? I know we drifted off that point last fall and caught many gills and a few crappie, they seemed to be a bit larger in the deeper water than over by the island. Any news on walleye, sometimes they are hitt’n all over and other times you think the lake has no walleye in it. Shoot me a pm if you don’t want to give up your private spots. I’m only there once or twice a year on the ice so I’m not going to disrupt anything.
There are 3 deep holes on the lake. The southern 2 have had the best fishing the last 2 years for better than average crappies. There are quite a few rocky areas that will give up walleyes from time to time. I don’t usually chase them a whole lot though. I know there are a couple others here that do. Hopefully they will post up for you. Good luck!!