Late ice Crappies

[NanookofN-MN]

I was out on the ice this weekend fishing a lake near the "wife's" parent's cabin for crappies.  I got to talking with a guy who said I better enjoy this weekend because the lake usually shuts down about this time every year.  Now I know that fishing has it's slow times but usually it is because people loose track of where the fish are.  As we move into the quote unquote last ice period, where would one look to to stay on top of the crappies.  They are currently sitting in the deepest part of the lake 25 feet and have been there every time I have been out there.  I have read and heard people say for late ice look shallow but what are some key factors I should look for in the shallows?  Am I looking for a certain type of wed bed, a certain depth, a point that drops off into a deep hole......? 

Thanks for the help and if you need more info let me know I answer questions best I can

[Gills-only]

I have found them on late ice on edge of dropoff in 8' of water.  Sometimes just a foot under the ice, sight fishing.

[livtofish]

I was just reading an article from In-Fisherman magazine about fishing Crappie in MN.  The writer stated that late- ice Crappie will be found in shallow
water as they ready for spawning following ice-out sometime between mid-April and early May.  I am not a expert on the subject but I enjoy studying.  That is where I am going to be targeting them here in Maine during the month of March.  Tight lines

[NanookofN-MN]

Livtofish,

So based on the article it sounds like I have a couple weeks left before they will start to make the move into the shallows.  Did they happen to point out any features to look for in the shallows?

Thank you,

Nanook

[Swift]

They do seem to be shallower and off the drops more but believe it has to do more with the food supply/its needs than anything else. They will dart up onto the flats, in small groups, but usually only for a brief period. Spawns a ways off for them, chowing down in egg prep, probably can start shortly. It's about time for the Perch to be pigging out and making extended runs towards their spawning areas. Reed beds are checked periodically every trip this time of year. Occasionally you'll time it right and stick some nice eaters in as little as 2' of water, soft bite but sight fishing is a blast.

[Skipper]

It depends allot on the winter, the water, and the condition of the weeds. I have seen them stay deep until ice out if the weeds are all brown and down.

[BobbyJ]

As stated it really all depends on a variety of situations but fishing transition zones from deep to shallow or weeds to rock bottoms or points to big flats. I know that sounds generic but it will help u find fish on your home waters..

[Fontona19]

The way I think of it is, the fish are feeding until their oxygen is depleted. When that happens they start looking for new sources of oxygen (if there is any), and that is where they move. Nothing about fishing is set in stone, but this helps me try to keep up with them.