couple local lakes have a few spots around springs or pipes where the lakes are opening up. these spots that are opening generally produce nice bass during the spring/summer months.

do bass generally move to open water on a lake that is in the proces of melting? i want to throw out my line, but dont want to waste 6 hours looking like a tool either.

If your wanting to fish that bad, just go out and give it a shot.  Even if everyone on here said you would catch something for sure, and you didnt, its better than sitting inside waiting and wondering.  I spent 4 hours fishing a river the other night, knowing full well I would probably not hook a fish, but it still beat sitting at home waiting on a lake to thaw!

;D

Great point of view.

I had a rough season ice fishing, so I'm trying not to discourage the start of the casting season by starting too early.

In '88 (I think) I caught a 5.50# in a small pond in sw Iowa by pulling a jig n pig off the ice in a small pocket.  The next cast I caught an 8.60# bass in the exact same spot.  It was Feb. 14th and I was in a float tube.  So yes, it can be done!

BTW, I do not miss ice out!

d**n! The lakes in question, the spots that are open range from 12 feet deep to 2 feet. The current is strong around these pipes, but I'm tempted to give it a try.

I would say the fish tend to move to areas where the ice is out as that is the warmer/warming water.  Another couple days and we will be in ice out in southern Iowa and I know that I will definitely be out on the water.  

i dont really fish while the ice is melting because i cant launch my boat till all  ice is off  but i do very good on a jerkbait around areas that have clearer water mixing with more stained water from back eddies and creeks    thats in the prespawn though the water is 10 degrees warmer then then now so i would really know but u could try a jerkbait

like buckeyeone said, i'd much rather be out throwin a line NOT catching fish than sitting at home wondering if i could be catching fish.

i spent part of my lunch break today setting up two rods so i can go out to a local river and get a line wet. i know full well it'd be a miracle if i even get a bite, but open water is open water and at this point that's all i need.

just like anything else you won't get any better without practice.

see ya later cabin fever!