How to Fish Pelican

Pelican fishing FAQ

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pelican in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth transitioning from winter depths to staging areas, following warming trends and baitfish movements Fish becoming more active but still relating strongly to deeper structure adjacent to spawning flats Feeding periods becoming more extended as water warms, with fish actively pursuing perch and baitfish schools Key locations: Deep rock-to-sand transitions near spawning flats; Main lake points with access to deeper water; Protected bays with gravel or rock bottom. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions, Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses, Tubes dragged along bottom structure. Primary forage: Yellow Perch, Baitfish schools, Crawfish becoming more active. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pelican in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-60°F. Moving from winter depths to transitional staging areas, actively seeking warmer water in preparation for spawn Becoming more active with warming trends, feeding opportunistically to build energy reserves for spawning Relating strongly to structure that provides both depth access and warming influences Key locations: Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning flats; Reed lines and emergent vegetation in 2-6 foot depths; Docks with deep water access, especially those near spawning areas. Best techniques: Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation, Bladed Jigs around reed edges and shallow cover, Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly in transition areas. Primary forage: Perch in transitional areas, Bluegill moving shallow, Minnows schooling in warming areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pelican in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Crappie are transitioning from deeper winter haunts to warmer, shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding during warming trends Fish are becoming more active and aggressive, moving into 8-15 foot depths near spawning areas, particularly during warmer afternoons Key locations: Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning bays; Deeper vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water; Protected coves with emerging vegetation. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Hover/Mid-Strolling. Primary forage: Small bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation, Young perch in slightly deeper water, Various small minnows moving shallow. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Muskie on Pelican in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 45-55°F. Pre-spawn muskie are beginning to move from winter locations to staging areas near spawning grounds, becoming more active with warming water Fish are transitioning from lethargic winter behavior to more aggressive feeding patterns to build energy for spawning Key locations: Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deeper water; Points and inside turns near spawning areas; Reed beds and emerging weed edges in 5-12 feet of water. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large), Hard Jerkbaits, Inline Spinners. Primary forage: Perch concentrating in pre-spawn areas, Baitfish schools moving shallow with warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pelican in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-48°F. Pre-spawn walleye are staging near spawning areas and becoming more active with warming water temperatures, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning Fish are most active during low-light periods, particularly around sunrise and sunset, and on overcast or windy days due to the moderate water clarity Key locations: Rock and gravel points leading into spawning bays; Shallow to mid-depth ledges adjacent to spawning areas; Transition areas where hard bottom meets emerging vegetation. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions, Live Bait Rigs with minnows near staging areas, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish. Primary forage: Perch, Small Minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pelican in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 48-62°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to spawning areas, actively seeking warmer water and preparing spawning beds Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with pre-spawn feeding activity increasing near transition areas Key locations: Rocky points and gravel flats in 4-8 foot depths near deeper wintering areas; Protected bays with hard bottom composition for spawning; Transition areas between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning flats. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly along rocky points and gravel transitions, Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses in cooler water, Ned Rigs for pressured fish and colder days. Primary forage: Perch moving shallow with warming trends, Smaller baitfish schools in transition areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pelican in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-72°F. Pre-spawn to spawning behavior with fish moving from deeper staging areas to shallow spawning flats, particularly around reed beds and docks as noted in reports showing 68°F temperatures Males actively guarding nests while females move between spawning areas and adjacent deeper water for rest periods Key locations: Reed beds and shallow flats near deeper water access, especially those with firm bottom composition; Protected dock areas providing both spawning habitat and cover; Shallow coves with emerging vegetation, particularly where the extensive shoreline creates protected spawning pockets. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around reeds and dock posts for precise presentation to spawning bass, Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning areas and transition zones, Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and working shallow spawning flats. Primary forage: Bluegill beginning to move shallow and congregate near spawning areas, Small perch in transition zones between spawning flats and deeper water, Minnows actively using shallow emerging vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pelican in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats and moving into spawning zones as water temperatures stabilize Males creating and guarding nests in protected areas while females move in and out of spawning zones Actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods, taking advantage of the moderate water clarity for sight-feeding Key locations: Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation and lily pad stems in 2-6 feet of water; Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water in 8-12 feet; Secondary points and coves with gradual slopes leading to spawning areas. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging for methodically working spawning areas and transitions, Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentations around cover, Bobbers with light jigs for shallow spawning areas. Primary forage: Small bluegills and juvenile panfish, Young perch, Various small minnows gathering around spawning areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Muskie on Pelican in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 52-58°F. Males arrive first in spawning areas, with females moving in as temperatures stabilize. Fish are transitioning from winter lethargy to more active patterns Post-spawn fish remain shallow but begin actively feeding to recover energy, often ambushing prey near emerging vegetation Key locations: Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and dark bottom composition for warmth; Secondary points and channel edges adjacent to spawning areas; Reed beds and shallow grass flats in 3-8 feet of water. Best techniques: Trolling Shallow (0-9') along spawning area edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transitional areas, Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily near emerging vegetation. Primary forage: Perch congregating in shallow spawning areas, Bluegill beginning to move shallow, Various baitfish schools following warming trends. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pelican in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Walleye are moving into shallow spawning areas, primarily active during dawn and dusk, with males arriving first and staying longer Fish become more aggressive during pre-spawn feeding, followed by a brief lull during peak spawn Light sensitivity is heightened in the moderate clarity water (3.9m Secchi), causing fish to seek darker or deeper water during bright conditions Key locations: Rocky points and shorelines with gravel or small rock substrate; Shallow tributary mouths and inflowing streams; Protected bays with firm bottom adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements, Live Bait Rigs with minimal weight to maintain bottom contact, Blade Baits worked slowly near bottom structure. Primary forage: Young-of-year perch gathering in spawning areas, Small minnows concentrated near warming shallows, Juvenile panfish in protected bays. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pelican in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 50-58°F. Smallmouth bass are actively chasing perch schools in waves as they move up towards spawning grounds Fish are utilizing main lake flats and transition areas, showing aggressive feeding behavior in response to warming trends Key locations: Main lake flats adjacent to spawning grounds, especially areas with irregular features or black spots; Transition areas where deeper water meets the flats, particularly where baitfish schools are present; Points and structural elements that funnel baitfish movement toward spawning areas. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with varied cadence to trigger reaction strikes from actively feeding fish, Drop Shot rigs worked along the deeper edges of flats where fish stage between feeding moves, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking the prevalent perch forage. Primary forage: Perch - primary forage base actively being targeted by smallmouth, General baitfish schools moving with warming trends. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pelican in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-72°F. Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on shallow cover near spawning areas Fish are utilizing reeds and docks as primary cover, with some movement starting towards offshore grass and rocks Key locations: Reed beds, especially those with wind exposure; Dock structures near spawning flats; Offshore grass and rock transitions starting to hold fish. Best techniques: Structure Jigs with tube craws around reeds and docks, Spinnerbaits worked through wind-blown reeds, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations in heavy cover. Primary forage: Bluegill in shallow cover areas, Young of year perch starting to appear. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pelican in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Actively feeding in post-spawn recovery, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations Relating heavily to emerging weed edges and structure transitions, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Forming loose schools around key structure, following baitfish movements Key locations: Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-15 foot depths; Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water; Outer edges of lily pad fields connecting to deeper water. Best techniques: Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation edges, Hover/Mid-Strolling along depth transitions, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish. Primary forage: Young-of-year bluegill in emerging vegetation, Small perch along weed edges, Emerging insect larvae in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Muskie on Pelican in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Post-spawn muskies are recovering and beginning to actively feed, primarily targeting shallow areas with emerging vegetation and abundant baitfish Fish are moving from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, often staging near points and weed edges Key locations: Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 5-12 feet of water; Points and ledges adjacent to spawning bays; Reed lines and shoreline vegetation in warming bays. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large), Inline Spinners, Spinnerbaits. Primary forage: Perch gathering in shallow vegetation, Bluegill moving into warming bays, Baitfish schools relating to emerging weed growth. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pelican in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Post-spawn walleye transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, actively feeding to recover energy Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to moderate water clarity, with deeper holding patterns during bright days Following wind-driven currents that concentrate baitfish, especially along structural elements Key locations: Secondary points and rocky areas adjacent to spawning sites; Emerging weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range; Wind-swept shorelines with good bottom transitions. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods, Jig and minnow combinations on structure. Primary forage: Young-of-year perch beginning to school, Minnow species concentrated near warming shallows, Small baitfish along emerging weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pelican in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Fish are actively feeding on shallow flats and areas with current during summer, particularly around baitfish schools and cover Smallmouth are utilizing both shallow feeding zones (6-8 ft) and deeper ledges, suggesting a dawn/dusk shallow feeding pattern with midday movement to deeper structure Key locations: 6-8 foot flats with patches of grass or cover; Ledges with access to deeper water; Current areas holding baitfish. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations, Swim Jigs worked with active retrieves, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) dragged on bottom. Primary forage: Bluegill in shallow cover areas, Minnows/Baitfish schools in current areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pelican in Summer?

Water temp 72-85°F. Bass are actively feeding in and around lily pad fields, utilizing these areas as primary feeding zones in warm summer conditions Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, moving to deeper adjacent areas during bright midday periods Key locations: Lily pad edges and openings in pad fields; Deep weedlines adjacent to lily pad fields; Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation. Best techniques: Buzzbaits worked through sparse pads and pad edges, Frogs/Toads worked across pad fields, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked in pockets between pads. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrated around pad fields, Perch relating to deeper weed edges, Various minnow species utilizing vegetation for cover. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Light Neutral Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pelican in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Crappies are establishing summer patterns with a mix of shallow and deep movements, relating strongly to vegetation edges and thermocline depths During early morning and evening, fish move shallower to feed in weed edges and near lily pads During midday heat, crappies suspend near deep structure or below thermocline, often schooling near points and ledges Key locations: Weed edges and lily pad fields in 8-12 feet of water; Deep points and ledges near 18-22 feet where they meet the thermocline; Suspended schools near submerged structure in 15-20 feet. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging for suspended fish near deep structure, Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure. Primary forage: Small bluegills and juvenile perch around vegetation, Small baitfish schools suspending near thermocline, Aquatic insects and larvae in and around vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Muskie on Pelican in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Muskies are establishing summer patterns, utilizing offshore structure and weed edges as primary hunting grounds Fish are actively feeding during dawn and dusk, with periodic feeding windows throughout the day near baitfish schools During midday heat, fish move to deeper water adjacent to structure, suspending near thermocline Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays; Offshore grass beds in 15-20 foot depth range; Rock-weed transition areas near deeper water. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and structure breaks, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through and over weed tops, Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges during lower light periods. Primary forage: Perch concentrating around weed beds, Bluegill schools in and around vegetation, Baitfish schools suspending near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pelican in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. During summer, walleye are transitioning between shallow and deep water daily, with most active feeding during low-light periods due to the moderate water clarity (12.8 ft Secchi) Fish are relating strongly to ledge transitions and structural elements, using these areas as feeding stations when targeting perch Key locations: Deep ledges with access to adjacent flats, particularly those with 15-25 foot depth transitions; Points with submerged vegetation edges where perch congregate; Wind-swept structural elements that concentrate baitfish. Best techniques: Finesse Jigs worked slowly along ledge transitions, Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows for deeper presentations, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are concentrated on specific structure. Primary forage: Perch - primary forage confirmed in recent reports, Young-of-year baitfish utilizing weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pelican in Fall?

Water temp 58-68°F. Smallmouth bass are actively schooling in groups of 3-7 fish, aggressively feeding on baitfish and perch near points and shallow flats Fish are making a seasonal transition, moving shallow and actively chasing bait in preparation for winter Key locations: Main lake points, especially those with quick access to deeper water; Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where baitfish are present; Rocky areas with available crawfish forage. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse baits for actively feeding fish around points, Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively chasing schooling fish. Primary forage: Perch - primary forage based on recent reports, Minnows and small baitfish schools, Crawfish in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pelican in Fall?

Water temp 55-65°F. Largemouth bass are in full fall feeding mode, actively pursuing baitfish and targeting shallow cover areas with aggressive strikes Fish are showing increased activity around matted vegetation and submerged grass, using these areas as ambush points Key locations: Matted grass and lily pad areas in shallow water; Submerged vegetation edges; Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation. Best techniques: Frogs/Toads worked with multiple pauses over matted vegetation, Spinnerbaits around submerged vegetation edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for actively feeding fish. Primary forage: Perch, Bluegill, Minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on Pelican in Fall?

Water temp 52-64°F. Crappies are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and actively feeding to prepare for winter Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, congregating around deep points and ledges while making periodic moves to shallower areas during prime feeding periods Key locations: Deep structure adjacent to vegetation edges (15-20 feet); Points and ledges near deep basins; Remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Hover/Mid-Strolling. Primary forage: Schooling baitfish (young-of-year), Small perch, Bluegills. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Muskie on Pelican in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Muskies are actively feeding in preparation for winter, following large baitfish schools (perch and other forage) and utilizing ambush points near structural elements Fish are making daily movements between deeper holding areas and shallower feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods Key locations: Points and inside turns adjacent to deep water, especially those with submerged vegetation; Offshore grass beds near drop-offs where baitfish schools concentrate; Shallow weed edges and reed lines during low-light periods when baitfish are active. Best techniques: Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked along weed edges and points, Hard Body Swimbaits retrieved with occasional pauses near structure, Trolling Shallow (0-9') during low light periods parallel to weed edges. Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling in shallow areas, Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation, Baitfish schools suspending near structural elements. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pelican in Fall?

Water temp 45-58°F. Actively feeding and schooling, following baitfish movements to deeper structure as water cools Most active during low-light periods, particularly around sunrise and sunset, with increased daytime activity as water temperatures drop Key locations: Deep ledges adjacent to points where baitfish schools concentrate; Steep breaks near remaining vegetation edges in 15-25 foot range; Wind-swept shorelines and points during low-light periods. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Blade Baits, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12'). Primary forage: Perch congregating in schools, Baitfish schools moving to deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pelican in Winter?

Water temp 38-42°F. Crappie are suspending in mid-depth ranges above deep basins and near primary structural elements, often schooling tightly around baitfish pods Fish are less active during midday, with peak feeding windows during early morning and late afternoon when light penetration is optimal Key locations: Deep basin areas adjacent to structural breaks in 20-30 foot range; Main lake points that transition into deeper water; Deep ledges near primary lake channels. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Ice Fishing Jigs, Damiki Rig. Primary forage: Schooling baitfish in suspended patterns, Small perch holding near structure, Juvenile bluegills in protected areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Muskie on Pelican in Winter?

Water temp 52-58°F. Actively feeding on larger prey during last open water period before ice formation, often following baitfish schools and utilizing deeper structure Becoming more concentrated around key structural elements as water temperatures decline, with brief but intense feeding periods Key locations: Deep edges of weed flats near points where baitfish schools concentrate; Rocky points and ledges adjacent to deeper water; Last remaining green weed edges in 12-18 foot depth range. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large profile baits along weed edges and points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through baitfish concentrations, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with heavy blade baits near structure. Primary forage: Perch schooling near remaining vegetation, Large concentrated schools of baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pelican in Winter?

Water temp 34-42°F. Walleye remain active during winter, concentrating in predictable areas near structural elements and following forage. Most active during low-light periods given the moderate water clarity (3.9m Secchi). Fish typically school more tightly in winter, often relating to bottom structure and following perch schools. They tend to be less aggressive but will feed opportunistically. Key locations: Deep structural breaks and ledges, particularly those adjacent to wintering perch schools; Points and transitions where bottom composition changes, especially in 20-35 foot depth range; Areas where remaining vegetation edges meet deeper water. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Spoons. Primary forage: Perch, Small baitfish schools, Remaining bottom-oriented forage. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pelican in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Crappies suspend in deeper water columns, typically 15-20 feet down, relating to basins near structure during ice season Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary bite window during stable midday conditions Schooling behavior intensifies, with fish concentrating in areas with abundant forage Key locations: Deep basins adjacent to structural elements like points and ledges, particularly in 18-23 foot range; Transitions where deep vegetation edges meet basin areas; Deeper coves with consistent depth patterns where baitfish school. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, focusing on suspended fish, Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive flash for calling fish from a distance, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows for finicky winter bites. Primary forage: Small Perch in the 1-2 inch range, Juvenile Bluegills concentrated in schools, Small baitfish species in tight winter formations. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pelican in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Walleye concentrate in basin areas and deep structural elements during ice season, typically schooling near bottom in 20-30 foot ranges Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a strong midday bite during overcast conditions Follow perch schools and relate strongly to transitions between hard and soft bottom areas Key locations: Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points and ledges; Transitions from vegetation edges to deeper water; Deep mud flats where perch congregate. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish from distance, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows for passive approach. Primary forage: Perch, Small Minnows, Bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.