About a month back I posted how March is ice fishing’s 4th quarter. Well if that is the case April is overtime, and you can bet I am thanking the fishing Gods for fishable ice in April. I had some good outings with a group of guys right before I went to Winnipeg and right now after I got back in the early days of April. This late in the year the perch are putting on the feedbag stocking up for the spawn. This is the best time of the year to catch a a true super tanker up in that 14 inch range as well as a good numbers bite usually persists.
We have seen a wide variety of baits producing as of late, 1/8oz slender spoons in silver with red as well as silver with green continue to produce. Checkai jigs produce midday when fish are less on the chew. I know I sound like a broken record, but this pattern has held steady the last 6 weeks. Early and late in the day when fish are more aggressive spoons are working well. When fish tone it down midday we are switching over to 36 inch power noodles from TUC paired with light line in that 2-3lb category using small checkai jigs. My personal best color has been red with a small wad of spikes on the business end.
We are targeting break lines in 16-20 feet close to adjacent spawning areas as this time of the year fish are not far away from where they will drop eggs in a short time period. The past few days I have snuck out on that blessed April ice with fellow guide Corey Ewing of Waubay Lakes Guide Service. We have been working on or improving that late ice tan and bringing some big jumbos topside. Bring the sunscreen because your are going to need it. I have some obligations the next few days so will be tied up some, hoping to see this ice hold on just a bit more. Please practice extreme caution in this late ice period. Lifejackets, picks, as well as fish with a buddy this late in the year. Have fun and be safe, wishing everyone some slimey hands in the upcoming days. – Q