Panfish Migration Throughout the Ice Season

Ice anglers are certainly a different breed. We anxiously wait for first ice much like a 10-point buck does nearing the rut. The gear is ready, the anxiety levels are up, and we just wait for Mother Nature to give the green light. The ice fishing season can be a short one, and this year is shaping up to be a good one.

I regularly speak at trade shows and clubs discussing panfish migration from first ice through the last call of the season. I provide weekly reports for the Chicago Sun-Times Outdoor column as well as on my Husker Outdoors page on Facebook and Instagram. At the 2024 Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo, I went into detail about this migration at my seminar to kick off the show.

Where to start when it comes to first ice? When drilling my first holes of the season, I want to be on fish immediately. Part of that starts with scouting prior to first ice so that when there is safe ice, I know exactly where those fish are at.

Focusing on shallow flats and bays with green weeds is a good start to figuring out that equation. Being stealthy is a major factor in being successful. Normally, we have clear ice, and I focus on depths as shallow as 4-6 feet of water. When there is no snow cover, those fish are very skittish as they can see and hear an angler.

With that said, we don’t want to bring out the kitchen sink with all the new gear purchased during the offseason. While that might be all well and good, bring just the essentials: an auger, a few rods, a flasher, and a bucket to carry it all in.

When fishing for shallow water bluegills and crappies, I prefer an in-line reel like the Piscifun ICX Frost or ICX Carbon Ice.

Why Use an In-Line Reel?

An in-line reel ensures that the line comes straight off the spool, eliminating line twist. No line twist means your jig won’t spin unnaturally in the water—an unnatural movement that often turns fish away.

These reels also feature a magnetic drop system, which allows an angler to adjust the fall rate of the jig. I prefer spooling 30 yards of braid in 4lb test. This line typically has the diameter of 1lb test monofilament, allowing for a natural presentation.

Pair these reels with a Piscifun ICX Focus 28” light titanium tip rod, which offers the required sensitivity when fish hold tight to the weeds.

Bait Selection for First Ice

A good choice for bait is plastics with an insect-looking profile. Colors can vary, so it’s important to let the fish tell you what they want. Downsizing is also key this time of the season, so starting with a 3mm jig is a great option. However, don’t be afraid to try larger profiles to entice bigger fish. Larger fish often hang just outside the transducer cone, allowing smaller fish to take the bait first.

As winter progresses, those same fish will move out to the main basin of lakes. If green weeds still exist, bluegills will gravitate toward weed edges and humps, while crappies tend to roam the basin.

Gear and Setup for Basin Fishing

When targeting deeper fish, switching to a spinning reel is a better choice. The Piscifun ICX 5 is an excellent option with its 5+1 bearing system, anti-reverse feature, and an easy-to-adjust drag—perfect for chasing deeper water fish.

For this setup, I recommend using 4lb high-vis yellow braid, which makes it easier to detect subtle line movement. If you like to use tip-ups for crappies like I do, the ICX 5’s easy-fold handle allows for convenient storage in a bucket.

Tackle and Techniques for Basin Crappies

To avoid line twist when jigging, add a small barrel swivel in matte black between your main line and leader material. Metallic colors can distract fish from your presentation. Fluorocarbon leader material is ideal since it has less stretch and is nearly invisible in clear water.

For rods, I switch to longer options: a 32” noodle rod in shelters and a 34” medium rod when outside and on the move. These rods provide a sensitive tip but also a stiffer backbone for better hook sets in deeper water.

Tungsten jigs are excellent for deeper water since they maintain a small profile but sink faster. A 5mm jig is my preferred size.

• For crappies: Plastics that mimic minnows are a great option.
• For bluegills: Insect-looking baits, bee moths, or spikes work best around weed lines and humps.

Since basin crappies tend to roam throughout the day, staying mobile is key to consistent success.

Late season can be just as productive as first ice. As winter fades, fish migrate back to the shallows in search of any surviving green weeds. These areas provide cover, oxygen, and attract smaller baitfish.

Key Areas to Target in Late Ice

Two prime locations to focus on are:

1. Bays with inflows – Small creeks feeding into the lake provide fresh oxygen and slightly warmer water.
2. Steep shorelines with runoff – Melting snow creates current and attracts fish seeking active feeding zones.

As temperatures rise, a fish’s metabolism increases, creating longer feeding windows. This is the equivalent of us firing up the grill for a big meal after a long winter.

Best Late Season Tackle

At this stage, I return to in-line reels, as we are back in the shallows. My go-to baits include:

• Plastics with insect profiles
• Wedgies for bluegills and crappies 

Understanding these seasonal transitions will increase your success on the ice. Adjusting your tactics and gear throughout the season will put more fish on the ice and keep you one step ahead.

Tight lines, and have a safe and successful season, everyone!