Ice conditions are changing fast here with the warmer weather.  The ice has been ranging between seven and 12 inches with a surface is still slick, though snow in the forecast for Saturday, surface conditions may improve.  As of Thursday, March 3, the shorelines were starting to show some open water, especially on the north end. With overnight lows expected to drop into the high single digits to teens, the ice should stabilize somewhat, but anglers are encouraged to drill test holes before venturing upon the ice and use caution if venturing upon the ice.  Fishing has been productive for 15 to 18 inch trout with an occasional bass or pike being caught.  Nightcrawlers seem to be the bait of choice though some anglers also appeared to be doing well using PowerBait.  Soft plastic jigs tipped with a worm should also be effective.  Pike anglers have had some success using artificial minnows or spoons jigged through the ice for 12-to-18-inch fish.  Anglers, please note that NDOW has placed radio tags in several Northern Pike.  These pike will have an orange Floy tag near their dorsal fin and a small antenna (~ 7 inches long) coming from their stomach.  Please return these fish to the water for research purposes.  All other pike should be humanely dispatched. There is no limit on the pike.