Don't know how many of you are avid ice fishermen who hate it when the ice-out comes around. So I apologize when I say "WOO HOO OPEN WATER!"

Its been a very cold winter. Snowless too. So its no wonder that water levels are down, yet again. But I hold out hope that much like last spring, especially May, we pick up an abundance of much needed rain, the earlier the better. Picking up good rains during the pre-spawn helps those crappie really stay shallow and within vertical jigging range from the shore.

Temps will be in the 50's starting Friday and 60's to start out next week with some hints of flirting with 70 by midweek. With an abundance of sunshine during the week, the ice should be completely gone and with some luck water temps in the low to mid 40's by next weekend. Spring fishing is almost here.