Luckily I’ve been able to get out to a close to home North metro lake recently and the results have been nothing short of fabulous. The size of the fish have not been giants, but for a hammered lake within the metro I can’t complain about catchin 50-100 fish in a three hour period. Shortened Shrimpos on a Diamond jig have been the hot ticket. Black with black during the day, and a glow Diamond jig with black Shrimpo tail at night. Average size Crappies are running around 8" with a few around 11+" showing themselves every once in a while. This particular lake has the typical shanty town of 20+ shacks and permanents set up in one small area and not many folks venturing away from the herd. Reports I’ve heard within the mini ice city have been quite spotty.
While most ice fishermen are focused on the deepest areas and deeper transitions in search of roaming schools on our somewhat shallow metro lakes during this mid- ice season most overlook areas that can be absolutely stacked with aggressive fish on the prowl.
Areas we are typically targeting right now are large, pretty much featureless soft bottom flats with deeper water and a quick shoreline break nearby. While dropping a camera down into the mucky bottom I’ve noticed insects filling the lens with a massive puff of six legged bug hatchery and these fish are not far behind. All I can say is try to avoid the typical deep water crowds and check out some untouched shallower(10-15 foot) water muddy flats and you should be rewarded. I’ve noticed these fish aren’t your typical cruisers either as they’ve been holding in huge numbers on the flat for over two weeks weather it be 2 degrees or 32 degrees.
I decided a fish fry and some Crappie BLT’s was in order the other night and chose to keep my limit for the first time this winter and I must say they were delicious! The fish I kept were from 8"-"10"(perfect eaters). You hear many complaints about the potato chip metro pannies and their abundance. One thing to keep in mind is to practice selective harvest and not keep the largest fish in the system as the smaller guys taste just as awesome as the big fellas! GOOD LUCK
Great job Jeremy!! Lakes that receive a lot of pressure definately take some “Outside of the Box” thinking to have success. If everyone is doing it you can bet it isn’t working very well simply because of the pressure. Hey 50-100 fish in 3 hours is LIGHTS OUT!! Very Impressive!!
Nice pies
mmmmm… crappie BLT’s!
-ted
Nice job Jeremy!
I live west of the metro about 60 miles and I know exactly what you mean about thinking outside the box to find hungry fish. A person needs to do their homework and get away from crowds to have consistent success on heavily pressured lakes.
The lakes around Hutchinson just get pounded year after year and I see shanty towns go from one lake to the next fishing down populations of panfish.
An 11 inch crappie around here is considered a slab. Up north, an 11 incher is a good eater.
Sorry, I had to rant a little bit.
Nice report!
Adam
Nice report
Great job Jeremy! Looks tasty!
great report! ive had some great days on the ice the last few days in the north metro as well. Stay away from the crowds is right!
Hit the same lake this afternoon and it’s still lights out! managed 82 Crappies by the time we quit counting between two guys. My buddy kept a limit and I tossed mine all back to grow for next year. Off to White Bear tomorrow to try some untouched areas. Will report back on the bite.
Sure makes for a more peaceful trip, as well.
Thanks for the report Jeremy
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Definitely more peaceful. Unfortunately, a permanent has moved onto my turf today. Hopefully the masses don’t follow suit.