Here is a thought, since we are trying to win the traveling trophy back at the Ice Out, shouldn't we all pool our knowledge of this time of year and weather patterns and come up with a game plan so our TEAM can win back the trophy? I will go first: I have had luck in the early season on Webster trolling shallow breaks and also deep open water where I marked fish high in the water column. Last year at the Ice Out, I believe all 3 of the fish caught were on the shallow flats.
MuskyTom
Yeah team!! I won't be there this year buuuttt the one fish came from way back in the shallows in Webster. If you look on the map there is a bit of a hole wwaaayyy back in there. It is a bit of a struggle to get to but that fish made the difference. We also saw one large fish that weekend and it was in twelve inches of water. I can run the satellite spy-cam and relay info to you guys on your super-duper spy wrist watches 
Kevin
Here are some thoughts on Saturday…
Each year has been different down there. With water that is still in the mid-40’s the fish are pre-spawn which is completely opposite of where we found them in 2005. Last year there was some very warm weather before the IOC which got the fish spawning. These fish will still act like winter fish and though they won’t be far from spawning areas they will also not be far from deep water. Quite simply, what was good last year won't be this year. Of course, there will always be fish suspended, on the breaks, on the flats and anywhere in between. I'm expecting to find the majority of the fish on the breaks and suspended near the break. Basically, these pre-spawn fish will be in the same general areas you would expect to find them in May/June. They’re not as likely to be worrying about what other muskies are doing and more likely to be worried about what they can find to eat.
Where to fish? This is one year that I don’t see a real benefit in which lake you choose. There should be active fish in all lakes and pressure might be the deciding factor. It looks like it will be a sunny day and the fish may take advantage of this if they’re not pressured too much. If you can find some lightly pressured water you might be able to locate some shallow sunning fish.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bunch of fish caught on Saturday. Bummer… I love it when it’s really tough for everyone.
This might be the year to swing for the fences on Tippy and catch a 40#er.
Ive been down to Indiana the last two weekends and have seen a little action. Water temps dropped from the mid 40,s two weeks ago on Skinner to low 40,s this last sunday. Air temps are not looking good for this weekend with 43 for a high and snow flurries early morning. Dress warm. I agree with Will on the Pre spawn location. The fish we have caught have been in or near deep water on or near the breaks. Water temps will be near 44 degrees unless the weather forcast changes because Sunday will be the first day with air temps over 45 this week. We are going to fish the back part of the Barbee chain (Irish and Sechrist) Could spend some time on Little Barbee as well. Tuff shads and white bucktails have worked on Skinner so Im planning on trolling tuff Shads just off the breaks and casting some white bucks for starters. Kingfisher
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