Clear vs. Snow covered ice question?????

[mr_jman]

I was on a lake that still has snow on it in some areas, but other areas of the lake the snow has melted away already. Some of these clear areas are large while some are maybe a few feet in diameter.

My question is will these open ice spots allow a little more sunlight to penetrate. I know the bottom content plays a huge role also, but should i focus on drilling holes on this open ice or should I look and worry more about the bottom content regardless of snow or open ice on top?

[lotsofish]

I think it would be worth a try, especially if the clear areas are in shallower water. I've usually found that when the ice was covered, fish were deeper and when the snow was gone, the fish were shallower. I was out on Sunday on a lake that still had 3 inches of snow cover on it. Even though everyone is saying shallow for crappies, I found them out in 25 FOW hugging the bottom.

[L_Cappo]

i would try the the bare ice.

[AHLHAWK81]

Although I don't have all the details on this lake, I would definitely try the bare ice. Snow reflects sunlight and prolongs water temps from rising. Warmer water is your friend.

[SnipeZilla]

Fish the edges of it. Fish relate to surface cover sort of like they do bottom content. It was in the December issue of In-fisherman.

[icehousebob]

I always fish the snow covered areas. I figure a guy can be quieter on the snow and your motion wouldn't be visible to them. As for the sunlight for the fish, keep in mind the angle of the sun. The area south of your holes is where the sunlight will come from that shines under you.

[GoFish4]

I think the answer to your question depends on what is below. While snow will provide shade and/or cover, if their is a weed line the sun will promote groth which is oxygen along with warmer water. But if it is a transition area, I would pop some holes in the clear area as you could have a better presentation with the sun reflection off of your bait.

[tisosy11]

I always put my tip up on the open ice...that way i can slide to them when FLAG UP!

Otherwise I'd work the edges and around the area depending on bottom structure.

[Jim Hudson]

To me, this time of year... that snowless ice has more merit to me then snow covered ice in the right places.. Light penetration gets things in motion under the ice (bug hatches especially) and at times a little bit of weed regrowth (if the light penetration is extended and there is good oxygen in the area).. This happens anytime during the ice period actually. To me, years with less snow cover on the lakes, equals better fishing IMHO.

But to be stealthy, I try to find patches of snow cover(if available, and usually are lacking during late ice, but can be common during early ice). This dampens noise and shadows and such from movement on the ice, really a key in shallow water IMHO.

Now, this doesnt mean all snowless areas on the lake are great, they also have to have other key ingredients to hold fish and bring fish into an area. But the combination of this and other key features can lead to successful outings if used to your advantage.