By Louie Stout

Ice anglers finally got their wish this winter and several seem to be taking advantage of the frozen water throughout much of Michiana.

Those who are getting out are catching a lot of bluegill, crappie and an occasional northern pike.

However, not all bodies of water are equal and most of the heavy fishing is being done in channels or on the smaller, shallower and wind-protected lakes.

Ice thicknesses varied as of Thursday morning. For example, Gary Bussen at Clear H2o Tackle near Edwardsburg, Mich. said thicknesses range from 2 to 8 inches, depending upon the lake.

“The channels are full of fish,” said Bussen. “As the cold weather extends, the main lakes will get more ice but guys should still be careful.”

Joe Denton of the Tackle Box said 4-6 inches seems to be the norm around North Webster, Ind., except on main portions of Lake Tippecanoe. However, anglers were getting out on the Wawasee Slip and, of course, the channels.

Pat Hamilton of D&R Sports Center in Kalamazoo said his customers report 2 to 4 inches on most of the usual places where anglers ice fish around Kalamazoo.

“I haven’t heard anything about Gull Lake,” Hamilton added. “I know they’re fishing on Portage, Lake of the Woods and Gravel lakes, and a lot of that is in the channels.”

Most of the bluegills are being caught near bottom and maggot baits such as spikes and wax worms seem to be the most popular. Once again, mousies are in short supply, but if they are available at your bait dealership, give them a try.

Blake Anderson of Clear H20 says tiny soft plastics are working well, too.

“One thing I’ve noticed is that the bite is soft (not very aggressive) and that’s probably due to the cold weather,” he described.

The ice season may be short lived once again. Weathermen are predicting some rain and warmer temperatures coming in next week.

If you get out this weekend, be sure to spud your way or drill holes periodically to make sure the ice you’re venturing out on is safe. Michiana lakes are spring fed and it’s too early to find uniform thicknesses over a big area, and larger, deeper lakes remained open longer than the smaller waters.