WHAT TO TARGET FOR MARCH

By Ben Leal

The month of March is characterized by rapidly rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing from 41 deg to 56 deg over the month. Southern reaches of the State will likely have open water by the end of March, if not sooner. Central Iowa will have fishable ice, depending on the year, while Northern Iowa will remain locked up throughout the month. Depending on the type of March in Iowa, we could be fishing open water sooner rather than later in much of the State. 

CRAPPIE & BLUEGILL

Several factors can affect the March crappie bite, but typically, some of the things to consider are water clarity, structure, remaining weed beds, and the topographical lay of the land beneath the ice. One of the best friends an angler can have, whether you are fishing open water or ice, is a lake map that shows the contours, creek channels, and submerged structure. Where temps have risen enough to start melting snow along the edges of the lake, look for areas where you see water flowing in. Typically, the water beneath the ice will be turbid, meaning it’ll have some flow, and that flow will increase the oxygen levels. Within that flow will be small insects and worms that the baitfish will come in to feed on. Not far behind will be hungry crappie eager to start their spring feed. A great tactic in this instance is to use live bait or by mimicking bait and insects with plastics. March is a transition time; crappie will start moving and feeding in preparation for the coming spawn. Though they may not be as veracious as they would be during the spawn, these fish will be active and hungry.

Bluegill will undoubtedly be on the crappie’s heels as they move into shallower water. Late-season bluegill patterns are not that much different than crappie, though these fish will tend to relate to structure or off the edges of drop-offs. Drill several holes in these spots. Your electronic gear, flasher, and underwater camera will help you find active fish. Fish each whole until you find some good-sized fish. The larger bluegill tends to be just off the bottom, up to two feet. Smaller fish are often higher in the water column. 

 

WALLEYE

Walleye will begin to transition to shallower areas following the baitfish. An effective tactic for locating active walleye is to drill several holes in the ice. By several, we’re talking about 20 or so along the edges of a point where you’ve located active baitfish. Walleye will come shallow to feed and then move back out to the edges of drop-offs. Move from one hole to another until you find an active pod of feeding fish. Once they move off, move with them and find another hole where you’re marking fish. The key is being mobile. 

When it comes to choosing your bait, jigs, and spoons work best. You can tip your jig with a minnow and drop it down to active fish or use a jigging rap tipped with a minnow head. A long time ago, when I first started ice fishing, a tactic that was taught me was to allow the bait to go all the way to the bottom, then bounce it a couple of times, creating a small dust cloud. This mimics a feeding fish that has just snatched up a tasty morsel, and curious fish will come in to investigate and also see your offering and, with luck, take your bait. 

BE SAFE

Remember that there is no such thing as safe ice, especially as the days begin to warm and ice starts to soften. If you’re not sure, don’t go out. If you go, take a spud bar and ensure the ice is strong enough to walk on. A few good whacks without punching through typically means it’s good to go. Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return and take a fishing buddy along. It’s always easier to tell of the one that got away if you have a witness. Ice spikes, floatation devices, and a rope you can throw should be included in your ice fishing gear, regardless of the time of year. Always remember to be good stewards of the resources we share so that generations to come can enjoy them as well. Tight Lines All!