Crazy April weather is making things interesting to post a fishing report!! There is still solid ice on the main lakes but getting out there can be tricky. I checked the launch on Lost Land Lake on Monday night and the ice was still 8-10″ thick on the shoreline but you can see lots of water flowing into the lake from the snow melt and creek inlets. I would have to think there could be thin ice out on some main lake spots due to the moving water. If you are planning on heading out to fish, make sure to check ice every few steps as it can change in a matter of feet. The tactics really aren’t going to change from here until ice out, but the lack of pressure should make for excellent fishing if you can get out safely right now.
Crappie–Weed beds in the 4-12′ range should be holding fish as they are staying shallower now and getting ready for spawn. Using small jigs, either in tungsten or lead tipped with waxies or plastics will produce fish. Use last light to your advantage as fish will get more active then.
Bluegill–The gills will be mixing it up with the crappie in these same areas, shallow weed beds, shallow sandy shorelines/flats that are warming up during the day. Using the same tackle and tactics will catch fish. Jig colors in greens, pinks, whites can be good this time of year as there is a lot of stuff changing in the water column.
Perch–Perch can be in and around these areas as well, with a focus on the deeper edges and where the bottom transitions in the lake. Again, small jigs with waxies, plastics with appendages that undulate will attract big perch.
Greg