The fish activity really kicked off over the past couple of weeks.

Limits of big slab white perch were caught from the smaller lakes and barrow pits along the Mississippi River levee. These smaller waters tend to warm up much faster than the big lakes.

The bass spawn is wide open and the only thing that will put a damper on the fish is a cold front.

Well guess what? You got it.

We woke up early Friday morning to a cold, steady rain, the absolute worst conditions for March fishing.

Hopefully this front will move on out and fish activity will get back to normal.

When it does, get ready for some of the best fishing our area waters have to offer. The crappie bite is usually best in thin water. Try fishing tube jigs in various colors tipped with a crappie nibble.

The crappie nibble adds scent to the lure, which gives the fish another reason to strike.

Some white perch fishermen are using the real thing, live minnows. If the jig bite is slow, it’s hard to beat a small live shiner for big slab white perch.

The first wave of spawning fish has made the move to shallow water, and many have laid their eggs. This cold front will delay the second wave of fish, but later we may have a few days of sunshine, and the next group of bass will move to the spawning areas. The weather will cooperate Saturday March 21 for the National Guard/Casting for Cash Team Bass event on Lake Concordia. Tournament fishermen and ladies, please support this one.

Your participation will be greatly appreciated by our troops.