some lessons

[Kickin Bass]

I was wondering if any of the moderators would care to post where to look for certain species in the winter? For walley, they come in around dusk, but what kind of structure do they relate to most, saddles, rocks, flats, weeds? Same for craps and perch?

[Borch]

Kickin,

A lot of location will be lake and species specific. Some lakes I've had a good bite in the weeds for crappies, sunnies, walleye, bass and pike. Other lakes or spots on a lake will have fish relating to the edge or tops of flats, humps, points and saddles. Then you'll find the deep water related panfish, walleyes and pike which are suspending over the deep basin areas.

My advice if you're looking for action is to start at the weedline/first drop off on a point or cut of a flat. If action is slow either go shallower or deeper. Cut lots of holes and fish each until you make contact with fish. Since it doesn't sound like you have a "Spot on the spot" to focus on I would not fish a spot for more than 15 minutes without action prior to making a move.

I see that you have posted in the St Cloud forums and if I end up fishing in the area this weekend I'll give you a shout.

[Kickin Bass]

Thanks, I have always loved it and I have been really good at collecting equipment, and do have some good open water experiences, but my parents weren't outdoors people and I can't afford a boat, so I try and make the best of Ice fishing I can and with the short time I've had, it is a completely different kind of fishing. If you are in the area early in the morning I would be game, but I do have to work at 4 all weekend.

[Kickin Bass]

just bringing to the top as I am sure many could use some pattern help.

[Sandmannd]

Kickin, if you're ever in the cities and want to head out during open water shoot me an email. Always like meeting new FMr's and getting people on the water.

[Deitz Dittrich]

kicken-

Much like Borch, I have to be vauge with my answer. As much of it depends on the lake and the species you after. Time of year and fish migration plays a huge roll as well. Mainly what stage of development is the lake in. How weedy and or muck filled is the basin of the lake.

This time of the year, much of the fish can be found near the deeper holes of the lake, so long as the deeper holes are not to deep. And even then, too deep is relitive.

some fish species will be found on the edges of the deeper holes, while others can be found suspended in that deeper water. Weather and time of day will also play into where those fish are as well, and how they react to lures.

While you pose a great question, a book the size of war and peace could be written on the subject. As you put more time on the water, you will see patterns as to where and when to fish wich areas, much like you have done with open water.

[Kickin Bass]

thanks dietz, you have always been very helpful. I think that new innovations over the last 10 years have made things more difficult. I mean think about how many people with portables, a vex, a gps, and a cam. Then again I ain't caught sheet! To imagine putting in the hours on a bucket with string and a flag? Had to have been worth it in those days when fish were big and plentiful. I think you may see a record pike or musky eventually, but too many anglers of the other species to match the other records. Then again the river tends to be underfished.

[metrojoe]

 Originally Posted By: Deitz Dittrich

While you pose a great question, a book the size of war and peace could be written on the subject. As you put more time on the water, you will see patterns as to where and when to fish wich areas, much like you have done with open water.

That question has been the Linder boys bread and butter for over 30 years.