Adding to the challenge, they're usually deep and suspended. During those tough days, it pays to have a few extra tricks up your sleeve. Location is one of the biggest challenges. After fall turnover, most crappie move to deep water and hang out in loose schools. They spend winter in deep lake basins.
Top locations are usually close to spring spawning areas.
The first deep water off a long, weedy finger bay is a good ice-fishing bet. You don't need electronics, but they are a big help. Some anglers prefer portable LCR fish-finders, but I wouldn't leave home without a flasher. Its faster, although transient readout allows me to quickly scan for fish right under an ice hole. If I mark a few fish, or even baitfish, I know I'm in productive water.