late season ice fishing

Hi folks. Been ice fishing and guiding the last couple of of weeks on a variety of lakes.  Beautiful warm bluebird sunny days.  Still a lot of ice on the inland bodies of water.  I have found anywhere from 15" to 25" of solid black ice.  the edges are now becoming soft and caution should be used when entering and exiting the ice.  The ice fishing season for trout concludes this Sunday.  I removed my shanty the other night to avoid any complications.  Had a some success catching small lake trout the other day on tip ups.  Set rosy reds for bait in about 5' of water and less.  Got on the ice at 5:00am and set up in the dark.  Fished northern yesterday and did well using golden shiners under tip ups.  Caught all of the pike in 5' to 8' of water over newly forming weed beds.  We did manage to land about 50 small perch on bright colored Hali jigs.  After Sunday ice fishing will be for pike in shallow bays.  Caution needs to be used as this can be a dangerous time of the year to be on the ice.  Carry rope and a safety lanyard.  Also a good time of the year to catch a big northern.  Remember to follow the bait laws and prevent the spread of VHS.  have Fun, Willy