02-20-2008, 05:10 PM
Another page on the outdoor calendar is about to turn. After Sunday, the game fish season for walleye, northern and bass comes to a close. And on the last day of February, permanent ice fishing houses have to be removed from area lakes.
For many, these events mark the end of the winter fishing season. Others, however, begin to gear up for some of the best angling opportunities of the winter.
When it comes to late-winter ice fishing, panfish are king. Perch, bluegills and crappies round out the panfish species, and for many anglers crappies are at the top of this list.
Crappies might be the most sought-after fish in North America. Their popularity isn't limited to Minnesota: They are blue-ribbon winners across the country.
Part of this popularity is because they're such good table fare. Crappies are similar in taste to the beloved sunfish, but are larger and much easier to clean.
Crappies are also abundant. They are found in most bodies of water across the country, which makes them accessible to anglers no matter where they live. They are prolific spawners, which sometimes causes overpopulation problems.
In Minnesota, crappies perform their spawning ritual in waters that are 64 to 68 degrees. The male builds a nest by scraping out a small depression in a hard-bottomed area often associated with bulrushes.
Once the nest is complete and the temperature is right, the female will deposit her eggs, which are then fertilized and guarded by the male. The male will continue to protect the nest until the young hatch.
There are two different species of crappies: the black crappie, which is the main species in Minnesota, and the white crappie.
Although these fish look similar, there is an easy way to tell them apart. The black crappie has dark spots that are randomly scattered across the body. The white crappie's spots are aligned in vertical bars with light stripes in between.
Black crappies prefer deeper and clearer water than their white cousin. Most white crappies are found in the southern third of Minnesota. The natural range for both of these species has been greatly altered by stocking programs.
During the late-winter period we are about to enter, crappies often become very hungry. Somehow, they are able to sense a change of the weather and the coming of spring.
Although crappies are notorious low-light biters, they can be caught at midday on many lakes, especially when they are holding in deeper water. Once the ice starts to melt, these fish will often move into very shallow water to feed among the remnant weeds and the new green growth.
Although both minnows and larva baits are effective for catching crappies, I find larva baits work best in the daytime with minnows producing more fish in the low light hours.
This is the opinion of Times outdoors columnist Jerry Carlson. Contact him at jerrycarlson@cloudnet.com.
For many, these events mark the end of the winter fishing season. Others, however, begin to gear up for some of the best angling opportunities of the winter.
When it comes to late-winter ice fishing, panfish are king. Perch, bluegills and crappies round out the panfish species, and for many anglers crappies are at the top of this list.
Crappies might be the most sought-after fish in North America. Their popularity isn't limited to Minnesota: They are blue-ribbon winners across the country.
Part of this popularity is because they're such good table fare. Crappies are similar in taste to the beloved sunfish, but are larger and much easier to clean.
Crappies are also abundant. They are found in most bodies of water across the country, which makes them accessible to anglers no matter where they live. They are prolific spawners, which sometimes causes overpopulation problems.
In Minnesota, crappies perform their spawning ritual in waters that are 64 to 68 degrees. The male builds a nest by scraping out a small depression in a hard-bottomed area often associated with bulrushes.
Once the nest is complete and the temperature is right, the female will deposit her eggs, which are then fertilized and guarded by the male. The male will continue to protect the nest until the young hatch.
There are two different species of crappies: the black crappie, which is the main species in Minnesota, and the white crappie.
Although these fish look similar, there is an easy way to tell them apart. The black crappie has dark spots that are randomly scattered across the body. The white crappie's spots are aligned in vertical bars with light stripes in between.
Black crappies prefer deeper and clearer water than their white cousin. Most white crappies are found in the southern third of Minnesota. The natural range for both of these species has been greatly altered by stocking programs.
During the late-winter period we are about to enter, crappies often become very hungry. Somehow, they are able to sense a change of the weather and the coming of spring.
Although crappies are notorious low-light biters, they can be caught at midday on many lakes, especially when they are holding in deeper water. Once the ice starts to melt, these fish will often move into very shallow water to feed among the remnant weeds and the new green growth.
Although both minnows and larva baits are effective for catching crappies, I find larva baits work best in the daytime with minnows producing more fish in the low light hours.
This is the opinion of Times outdoors columnist Jerry Carlson. Contact him at jerrycarlson@cloudnet.com.