With the bite getting tougher in the La Crosse area, a small group of us (IDA Family) got together to find some ice that hasn’t seen fishing pressure. We loaded up the boats and went for an adventure in the wind. AmWatson was wet before we even beached the boats on a sand bar.
We headed for a bay that normaly holds crappies, there was 5-6 inches of ice, which was leaving at a steady pace all day. Dodge Boy and AmWatson went in search for a brush pile in 20 FOW. I headed to a sunken tree in 12 FOW and found crappies. After a call, I had two buddy’s sitting with me. AmWatson found a nice eye and we iced a few more crappies. Then just like someone threw a switch, the spot died.
With the bite at a stop we split up and went back into the search mode. Dodge Boy and AmWatson found the brush pile they were looking for earlier. It had suspended crappies hanging around it. Dodge boy made a run to the landing to pick up J_ERICKS and stopped by to let me know they found the bite. With only one more crappie on the ice, I was happy to join them. Lil Cecil tipped with a waxie worked for me. I think we all had something different on for jigs and we were picking up fish at a fun pace. From left to right, Dodge Boy, AmWatson, J_ERICKS, and myself.
With all of us having a nice fish fry to take home we called it a day. After a full day in the wind, I was dog tired. And now I know what dog tired is. This is Dodge Boys dog (Norman). Very cool dog, and after running all day he was tired. This picture is Norman taking over AmWatson’s shack.
This is a few of my nicer ones.
awesome report! wish i was with. “flipping slip bobbers in the lillie pads”
This day was one of the best I have had in a long time. We caught ungodly amount of crappie
The wind was brutal, but at the end of the day, it was all worth it 
Here is a pic of a few that I kept to give to a friend of mine. It was a good day to spend with friends from the IDA family 
wats, what did you get the walleye on? I know where you guys were, but was unaware of that depth. I wish i was with. Bret, like i told you earlier, that must have been great to put a group of friends on fishing like that
We did it together Cade. It is nice to be able to split up and go huntin’. Sure helps cover area. Also pay’s to have friends, hey Wats
Had a great time with ya bret and we will have to do this again. Excellent job on your first report, now they will come easier and easier. Fishing with a great bunch of guy can’t get any better.
You the man Bret
Wats? HawCum that MarCum didn’t put me on fish like that!!!
Good pics Bret! Better fish!
Didn’t know you guys still had ice down there…get any rain today?
Yep, and it was wet too
Brian, we got ice, not a ton, but around 6″ in a few iscolated areas. To answer your last question, im with bret, it was indeed wet. Boy, its been a while since we had a soaking and today we got it. It started soon after i got to my spot
and started to die down just before i left. Thats around 3 hours of straight and steady rain 
Too bad it wasn’t snow, we’d be up to our shins in it 
I caught that walleye on a small Forage Minnow tipped with a waxie in 11 fow
That was the last thing I expected to catch. It was a fun little fight with 2# line and a 24″ rod. He kept taking drag and I at first thought it was a bass until I seen the white on the tail 
It was definitely a “bonus” fish 
Had a blast fishing with you guys
It really doesn’t get much better than that. Yesterday sure made up for the lack of fish latley 
Very nice report Bret!
Mice mess of fish! Maybe someday you’ll take out and show me that spot….
Very nice report and pics guys. Looks like alot of fun with friends and fish.
Thanks, Bill
It’s by an narly elm Blue Fleck
I do have a few rapalas hangin’ in there I would like back if you get a chance
Dang….I thought it was a narly Birch….
I guess I had that one coming.
Nice report Bret
That almost looks like ICE you guys are standing on 