February 1, 2010 Open water fishing is coming soon and never have I heard from so many anglers that are ready to launch their boats or don their waders. Many had a good run ice fishing but they are ready for some great late Wintertime fishing in open water.
The weather can be a challenge in mid to late February with some near freezing days causing ice to freeze in your guides. But we also get some nice 50 to 60 degree days with light winds where just light jacket will keep you comfortable.
Crappies will be the target of many fishermen. Those slabs, that were hanging around the brush piles and other structures before freeze up, will be in the same places after ice out. Glen Elder gave up some big Crappies back in November and December and the bite continued through the ice.
From what we saw caught before the ice and during the ice, the open water late Winter fishing should be great at Glen Elder.
Marion was spotty last Fall for Crappies and did give up some nice fish through the ice. When the open water reaches the dam and the ramps are open, anglers should be taking some nice slabs from that lake.
Kanopolis has good Crappie numbers and is rated no 2 on the fishing forecast for this year. The size of the fish is not that of Glen Elder or Marion but definitely keeper fish running 10 to 12 inches. The Fall bite at Kanopolis was good as was the ice bite and anglers should do good when the ice goes out.
White Bass fishing also should be good at most of the lakes. When the Shad head back into the warmer creek arms and coves, the Whites will be there.
Our lakes with Wipers and Stripers will also offer some great shallow water angling. The river arm and Hell Creek arm at Wilson always give up some good fish right after the ice disappears.
Catfish folks really clean up when the ice goes out. Every year I hear stories about limits of big Channel Cats caught on the windy banks where the dead Gizzard Shad are piling up.
Blue Cat anglers at Milford fishing in the Madison Creek area pull in some trophy size fish in the late Winter period. It's not unusual to hear of 50 to 60 pounders caught at Milford.
There's a lot of cures for cabin fever out there but it looks like it's still a week or two away.