First Location?

[TMF89]

Hey guys, wondering where you go for your first location? I know there's a thread about what you're going to do, but I'm more interested in location/presentation. Not asking for any hotspots (but they're welcome! ), just general areas? I'm thinking weeds in 8-10 feet with a drop-off to 15-18? I think the east/north side on Orchard would be good for that, but I've never fished it in winter before, so any advice from veterans would be appreciated! Other than that, what are some good locations you would advise for early ice fishing?

[Gissert]

I like to find the greenest weeds I can find, as set up right onthe edge of them, or in a hole in the weedbed.

[Matt Johnson]

Definitely on the same lines as Gissert... gonna look for green weeds or else a midlake flat for pannies... first breaks will hold a lot of fish and green weeds. The shallows will loose their weeds but the nearby deeper water will hold them for a little while longer (at least in most lakes. Some lakes will keep nice green weeds all year)... also don't be afraid to hit sunken wood at first ice too, especially shallow areas where fallen trees dominate...

[TMF89]

What depths do you guys usually find your best weed growth at? Thanks for the help!

[Gissert]

It depends on the like for the most part. Different lakes have different clarity, thus the weed depths will vary. Every winter it changes a bit too, depending on the conditions prior to freeze up.

The lake I live on is rather clear. It has some nice cabbage, and some of that stays in good shape past ice up. I have caught fish there, but there is a stringy sand grass type weed that seems to hold more fish. Last year, the best depth was 16-18 feet.

I resisted buying a camera for several years. Last year, I popped for a Marcum VS350, and it really cut down my time scouting locations. Drill a hole, drop it down and check the weeds. If the weeds looked good and I saw a few fish - I'd fish.

[Jim Hudson]

The best advice where to look is, where you left them prior to ice up... Each year can and usually is different in where I find fish in a variety of lakes I fish. Fall weather patterns play a huge role in where fish will be located so I try to stay in the boat and put the fish to sleep until first ice. It has been invaluable to do this to keep on a steady bite at first ice. As at times lots of nasty weather in the fall can push fish off traditional first ice locations due to a variety of reasons.

But a general, depending on the lake you fish and its charteristics.. A nice stable fall will see fish shallower then if you have lots of unstable weather in the fall to push the fish off traditional first ice locations.