I’ve heard that ice fishing for Crappie is great in Minnesota. Can you provide the names of some of the best lakes?

Ice fishing is an art in itself.  Finding a great lake to fish when it’s frozen is very tricky.  One very popular lake is the Upper Red Lake in Minnesota.  But before making plans to a popular lake for crappie fishing through the ice we should look at what makes a good crappie ice fishing lake.  Keep in mind fish are cold blooded creatures their activities will follow the water temperatures.  In the winter the water temperatures are almost opposite that of the summer months, so lower is warmer, usually.

Not only do crappie want some warmer waters to feed in but it needs something to eat.  To find this magical mix look for a lake with deep waters, more than 20 feet, next look for lakes with clear water and lots of plant life.  The second issue is more important because the clearer lake with plant life indicates there is lots of oxygen in the water.  The bait fish like oxygen and plant life to feed on and in the winter months these are things are often found in mid depth ranges.   Basically look for bodies of water that have a deep area for warmth, shallow areas for plant life and clear water that indicates oxygenated waters with active plant life (remember that’s what the bait fish eat).  The same summer rules apply but the temperatures have changed.

Once again I would recommend the Upper Red Lake area.  In fact you can find maps of crappie clusters or habitat designed to feed the bait fish, provide shelter and best of all give us a target.

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