Lots of murky water

[Shortdrift]

Seems that all the rain and the thaw we had a while back has really done a number on lakes and ponds. Even the private ponds I have been fishing are not really clear yet. The lack of clarity has to be the reson for the slow bite in most places. I hit Finley today and popped one crappie around 11" and then had a lot of fish come for a look but no more takers. Visibility was around 18 to 22 inches. Things should really turn on in another week.

[CritterGitter]

Thanks for the report on the ice bite.

CG

[MISFIT]

i think you might be right shortrod.from what i've been reading,i can't think of any other reason for the slow start.hopefully,buckeye will clear up soon,and they'll turn on.i might have to hit my "secret farm pond where i've caught several fishohio gills when the water was soft.
the place is loaded with slabs:cool:

[Links r Us]

January started out with very high water levels while the ice was forming. Then we had 2 short thaws w/more rain on the new ice. On my checks, along with murky water, there is just enough flow/melt-mix to keep even the shallow areas from havin' normal bottom temps & the spring areas are workin' overtime:(

[Links r Us]

This is late January ... usually we have a great 1st ice bite in here December, but all we had was unfishable skim ice in December ~ I kinda think maybe these fish are in a mid-winter state & don't realize it's 1st Ice;)

[MISFIT]

Ray.i kinda gave that some thought also.even year before last,i think we had first ice earlier than this year,so maybe they're just goin' by the "clock" instead of ice conditions;)

[Toad]

"secret farm pond where i've caught several fishohio gills

I'm waiting....... :rolleyes:

[MISFIT]

all good thing come in time:D :D
even you might be able to catch one:rolleyes: :D
i need to make a phone call;)