Where to start?

**Nightprowler** · 03-01-2007, 05:17 AM

My home lake is unsafe to ice fish. I can't hardly wait for ice out. When the ice is first gone (35-40 degree water), Where would be the best place to start looking for crappies....shallow cove or still deep?? and what would be a good way to catch a few. I'm looking for a game plan of some sort.

**tarheel** · 03-01-2007, 06:15 AM

They start deep. They will begin to move up the main channel still deep until the water hits mid to upper 40s. At that time they start gathering at the mouths of major creeks. Next they stay deep in the main channels of the major creeks. Then they head for the banks...... Generally they start getting shallow in the mid to lower 50s, but this year I have already found them shallow here in NC and the water temp is only 45 degrees. By the time the water hits 60 degrees the bite is wild!