| Crappie is popular fish amongst fishermen. Most | | | | Boat launch ramps, especially if they are |
| fisherman prefer to fish when they are either in | | | | concrete- the water is often warmer there |
| pre- or pro spawning phase. The methods | | | | Water inlets that introduce warm water to |
| employed differ for both phases but some | | | | the main lake |
| serious Angler do not like waiting for a season | | | | There is no question that Crappie like worm bait |
| and can catch Crappie at any stage. When in their | | | | or moving baits. When worm bait isn't working |
| spawning phase, Crappie moves to shallow water | | | | one can switch to minnows or even use colored |
| when the temperature of the water is between | | | | jigs and small crank baits. Spawning Crappie |
| 50 - 60 degrees. Males are the first to move to | | | | interest in the bait is short lived; it's good to |
| shallower parts to prepare the spawning beds and | | | | prepare different jigs when going out. You can |
| then the females follow. | | | | use minnow tipped jigs or plain tune simply vary |
| It is best for Anglers to fish in those shallow | | | | the color of your lures. The important thing is to |
| areas that are protected by the wind. | | | | keep them interested. |
| Unfortunately, it's virtually impossible not to | | | | Trolling is best on windy days and allows the |
| encounter wind in spring, which is the season for | | | | angler to cover more ground, but it's important to |
| spawning, but since they'd most likely move to | | | | note speed of the boat so as not to create too |
| areas where the waters are calmer it is best to | | | | much noise, sound and vibrations will spook fish |
| find a bay or cove that is protected from the | | | | away. |
| wind. If there is no escaping the wind, the best | | | | It is better to troll into the wind at a constant |
| bet is that the females are waiting it out and | | | | slow speed to have better control of the baits. |
| have retreated into the deeper areas until calmer | | | | The bait line has to be as vertical as possible |
| conditions return, this is when you know to go | | | | where it enters the water. Maintaining a straight |
| deeper as you'll most likely not find any fish in the | | | | vertical line will help in the detection of even the |
| shallow water. It helps to go into the water | | | | faintest strike, and it makes for better |
| prepared to take the fish at various depths with | | | | presentation. Use bait-casting reels it's easier to |
| a variety of bits and lures. | | | | adjust line lengths and lure depths while in the rod |
| The best places to find pre-spawning Crappie: | | | | racks. Use spinning reels when casting bobber |
| Rocky riprap and bridge abutments. - The | | | | baits; they are better or delicate presentations. |
| water is likely to be water as these radiate the | | | | This should help in the successful fishing of |
| suns rays and warm the waters below | | | | Crappie. |