Pro Fishing Tip of the Week: Panfish pandemonium on the horizon

Personally, I’m not really into being the first one on first ice. To me, late ice is my time to get some extra time ice fishing.

Even though the game-fish bite is usually slowing, the panfish bite is heating up. For late-season walleyes, I suggest downsizing to the smallest spoon possible. Sometimes this requires using tungsten to get to your depth and still “feel” your lure.

This time of year, less is more, and that includes jig size, jigging, and bait size. For panfish, it’s definitely time to go small and get on the search.

MORE ICE FISHING COVERAGE FROM OUTDOOR NEWS:

Pro Fishing Tip of the Week: Great time to target the lesser-chased species

Wisconsin angler is pulling thick fish from incredibly shallow depths under the ice

Want to target lake trout through the ice? Here are some smaller waters that fit the bill in Michigan

Color still matters a lot of days, so you need to have everything from natural colors to fluorescent and glow, depending on what the fish want. Usually the water clarity has a lot to do with it, along with sunny or cloudy weather.

The bottom line is that even when you find fish, sometimes you still need to figure them out. Some great days of bluegills, crappies, and perch are right around the corner, so good luck out there.

Jamie Dietman

Years of guiding experience: 21

Favorite lake: Lake of the Woods

Favorite fish to catch: Lake trout

Dietman has been guiding anglers for 20 years in the Brainerd area. His love of fishing developed at his family’s bait shop, and he began guiding at age 14. Call (218) 820-7757.