Crappie Ice Fishing Presentation on lakes in Ely MN

OK, you've found the Crappie, now let's look at some effective techniques to get them on the ice!

The most effective ice fishing presentation is jigging. Jigging is basically raising your rod tip about a foot, then dropping it back down to its starting position.

A very effective method is to raise and drop the tip, wait 5-10 seconds and repeat the raise/drop.

Another jigging technique made popular by the pro ice fisherman Dave Genz is pounding the jig. Pounding a jig is basically jiggling your rod tip up and down just an inch or two very quickly. This is one of my favorite techniques and seems to entice those sometimes finicky Crappie.

If you're not using a flasher and have no idea what depth the fish are at, start by jigging near the bottom. If you don't find fish, come up a foot or two. Continue the process until you either find fish or reach the ice with your lure.

Now that you've got the hang of jigging, let’s look at the lure/bait you're using. There are several jigs that have proved effective over time. Be willing to experiment with any of the jigs pictured below.

Vertical Jigs with a minnow are usually used more during changing light conditions and at night.

Northland Tackle Eye-Dropper

Northland Tackle Doodle Bug

Custom Jigs & Spins Demon

Horizontal Jigs with grubs are usually more effective during the day.

System Tackle Fat Boy

System Tackle Genz Worm

Custom Jigs & Spins Rat Finke

HT Enterprises Marmooska

Using live bait is important to trigger a bite. Tip your jig with a live minnow, minnow head, or a grub.

In most places while ice fishing you're allowed more than one rod. I usually set up a second rod with a float (bobber) and a lively minnow on a hook or a jig while ice fishing for Crappie.

Finally, Crappie are also called Paper Mouths for a reason. Their mouth rips pretty easily so when you get a bite don't set the hook too hard.

Hopefully you've found something new to try in these Crappie ice fishing tips and techniques that will help you ice more fish.

What most people consider luck is usually a combination of preparation and practice so get out there and enjoy the practice!

Want to catch more Crappies during ice fishing?

Crappies are undoubtedly one of the most sought after ice fishing species. They're fun to catch and great eating.

If you want to catch more Crappies, the two most important keys are location and presentation. You could have the most appealing bait in the world but if there aren't any fish around it's going to be a long day. And, not catching a thing while everyone else around you is catching fish can be really frustrating. What you present to the fish is just as important as finding them.

The information found here is best used along with some investigative work done by you. Finding out what the Department of Natural Resources says about a lake and talking to local anglers, especially at the bait shop, local Ely MN Resort or Ely Minnesota guide service, can save you a ton of time finding the fish and knowing what they're biting on.

Crappie can be ice fished at any hour of the day or night but changing light conditions in the morning and evening usually triggers more activity and feeding. Many Crappie fisherman prefer to fish for Crappie from an hour before sundown till a couple hours after dark, however some lakes like Farm Lake produce the best Crappie fishing during the early morning hours and into the afternoon.

Winter gives ice fisherman an advantage for catching Crappie over summer fishing since in the summer they're more spread out and more difficult to find. In the winter they tend to school up more often and suspend over deep water.

By mid winter the Crappie will have moved off the structure, usually to the nearest deep basin. Start by looking for them suspended in the basin near the structure and at the same depth of the structure. Crappie follow food so as the zooplankton and minnows move, so do the Crappie.

Late winter they'll begin to move in closer to the bays and weed lines. Crappie spawn in shallow, dark bottom bays after the ice is out. You'll find them moving closer to these spawning areas as spring approaches.

Before we switch gears and talk about presentation, remember locating Crappie is only half the battle. Don't just drill one hole. Instead drill several holes and find the fish.

Using modern electronics can also help you find fish faster. Depth, fish and structure can all be seen using a flasher (Vexilar, Marcum or Hummingbird). I use a Vexilar FL 20 and it has increased my crappie catching significantly. Stay tuned nest time when we talk about presentations. Now get out there and enjoy the late season ice fishing.

Choosing a Destination for your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip - Part 2

The right destination or entry point in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is key to making your canoe trip memorable for the right reasons. Whether you’re open to any location or have your heart set on a specific destination, our expert trip planning and experience will ensure that it fits your goals and skill level. Our guides have all the information you need, and answering the following questions will help you sift through the options:

Accessibility:

You don’t always need to travel far to reach great locations in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, however depending on your experience we can assist you in planning a long distance adventure. Whether you are interested in fishing or just sightseeing (or a combination of both) we are positive we can plan a trip that satisfies your interests and abilities.

Length:

Think about how much time you have. Do you need a weekend getaway or a 7-10 day excursion? With the help from our trip planning professionals we will route you and provide you will all the necessary information on the best campsites, portage conditions and fishing hot spots.

Gear:

Do you need complete or partial outfitting? Do you want to show up with your own personal clothing/items and to pick up our canoes & canoe packs with everything you need for an enjoyable trip? Or, if you just need to rent canoes & paddles because you have all your own camping gear - we can help you out there too!

Keep in mind that our gear at Moose Track Adventures is of the highest quality and guide tested and approved for a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trip. We also offer our customers an excellent menu to choose from and are sure it will tantalize your taste buds.

Come back to learn about what 'Personal Gear & Items' you need to bring when you book a Complete Outfitting Package with a Boundary Waters Outfitter.