Weekend Report 12-9-11 to 12-11-11

It's always nice to get out for that first time on the ice.  Unfortunately, there isn't much ice around Des Moines so heading north was the best solution.  Below are some of the specifics and observations from this weekend; hopefully it will help some fisherman put some fish on the ice.

Ice Conditions 
(These numbers are from Friday through Sunday and are measured with a scoop which has a ruler; not eyeballed or guessed numbers)
Spirit Lake: 5-8" mix of snowy ice in some locations and crystal clear ice in others 
West Okoboji:  4-6" mix of snowy ice in some locations and crystal clear ice in others.  Middle of the lake is wide open.
Upper Gar: 4-5" snowy ice

Water Clarity
Spirit Lake: Depending on location, anywhere from 5-7 FOW
West Okoboji: Aquarium clear
Upper Gar: 3-4 FOW

Suggestions
-Try to work away from the crowds.  We all know Anglers Bay is an early ice destination, there were at least 30-40 shacks there on Friday afternoon and by the time we left early Saturday morning.  Most reports were poor from Anglers; pressured fish are notorious lookers.
-Typical early ice locations (rock piles, standing/green weeds, etc) are great places to start looking.
-When fishing gin clear water, stealth is the key especially when there is no snow on top of the ice.
-Having options while fishing is key; keep mixing it up until you find what the fish want.
-Be safe out there!

A few photos from the weekend; enjoy!

(First fish of the year; 13" black crappie)

(Still plenty of adult perch left in Spirit Lake)

(Dinner time!)

(Full moon fishing)