Crappie Time was had by all, Family day out for Crappie on Scugog

[Elrik]

Had a fun morning out on Scugog this morning. Hit the lake around 9-9:30ish, stayed till 1. Not the best timing bite wise, but was best I could manage with work responsibilities. Despite not being on Crappie bite time, family still did well. Youngest got 3, oldest and wife had a fish off and both ended around 11 and I got 20. 1 bluegill and 5 crappie were a good eating size and the rest were thrown back. Mostly crappie with a few bluegill and perch and a lone good sized pumpkinseed. While site fishing watched a few good sized bass cruise by which was pretty neat to watch.

Most fish were caught in the top of the water column in 6 or so feet of water, though when bite slowed was having decent luck dropping down closer to bottom for a bit. Bite was on a mix of minnows and jigs. some of the biggest came on my son's tube jig with no minnow.

Just a note for anyone thinking of heading out that way for the mornings, now that Walleye season is over on Scugog, Causeway bait shop is opening at 9 instead of 6. Almost got burned this morning when we showed up at 8:30, but fortunately he pulled in as we were heading out.

Ice was close to two feet thick, and actively cracking throughout the morning. Felt a big shift under us which freaked the family out a bit. Popular areas can be a bit of swiss cheese right now, I sent my leg right through a hidden hole on my way back from visiting a neighbour. Went in to my knee but snow pants and boot did a good job of keeping me dry fortunately. If you are going out to one of the popular spots (particularly with kids), make sure to keep an eye on where you are putting your feet and don't let the kids wander off.

Smell of crappie chowder is wafting my way, time for dinner soon!

[bluenote]

Enjoyed the crappie report!!!

How were you sight viewing? Through the drilled holes?

thanks!

[Elrik]

Yup, low tech look down the hole in a darkened hut. Would love a fish cam, but spent enough on every other ice fishing accessory this year.

Chowder report is in, it was awesome!

[nineinches]

was also out there today from 11 am until 4 and just hammered them.Kept my limit for a great feed.Caught most the fish on small plastics was non stop action and don't know how many more I put down the hole.

[swannie]

thanks for the report, great to get on the ice with the family!!

[Finsnskins]

Hey all, been reading this board for a while and love it. I had to join because I can't find the crappies on scugog!! I live on the lake and have given it a pretty good effort the last couple afternoons with very little luck. Any advice would be great. Preferred depth? Sparse or thick weeds? Bays or main lake? Thanks for any help!

[Elrik]

Sparse or thick so long as they are still alive any weeds should draw them. From the reports i've seen it seems most success has been between 6-10 feet of water on the main lake, fish seem to mostly be suspended in the top half of the water column, though it pays to switch it up and try different depths when the bite slows.

What setup have you been using to try to get them, as that may also be playing a part.

Good luck, hope you find them!

[Finsnskins]

Hey Elrik, thanks for the reply. I've been using medium rods, small jigs and spoons tipped with pinheads or waxies. Been using 8 lb. flouro. Worth going and getting some 2 or 4 lb you think? I've been using a flasher also. Been catching dink perch high and low in the water column. Ill keep at 'er

[Elrik]

Are you using a spring bobber or slip float with the medium rod? Found even some of the light action rods need a spring bobber to catch the crappie hits when they aren't aggressive, and even the ultra light noodles didn't register some of the hits i saw when watching my bait last weekend. I think going down to a lighter leader would also help, if nothing else it will give you more action with the light jigs.