Jigs are the quintessential crappie bait They are the king of
spring crappie fishing
. Really, any time the crappie bite is good, some jig configuration is typically your
best bet
. Crappie jigs are especially effective during the spawn when fish are shallow.
Where are crappies in the spring?
Back bays and shallow coves with sheltered cover typically provide the best prespawn/spawn crappie areas. Oxbow lakes or flooded river backwaters are classic examples. Crappies will hold along the edges of deep weeds or timber prior to spawning, and then move into the shallows to feed or seek nesting sites.
What temperature do crappie start biting in the spring?
The best water temperature for crappie fishing is between 68 °F to 72 °F when the crappie spawn and post-spawn feed period seems to be at its highest point. This means the northern areas of the country can see this peak around early June while the southern areas can see it as early as
early march
.
What is the best month for crappie fishing?
The best time of year to catch crappie is during the spawning season which takes place from February-May During the spawn, both male and female crappie move from deep locations into shallow and concentrated spawning areas. This makes them very easy to target, as they are actively feeding and defending their nests.
How do you catch early spring crappie?
The spring crappie spawning period offers the best opportunity to catch fish shallow, but fishing can be spotty at times. Casting jigs to the bank will catch fish when the weather is stable or before a storm However, you need to flip or dip a jig during a cold front that causes crappie to burrow into shallow cover.
What color jig is best for crappie?
Orange-white is good at times, but all-white is not so good. In
stained water
,
low light
, all-brown, brown-orange, black-lime and all-black have been consistent performers for my best crappie action. In stained water with a heavy algae bloom, the best colors are chartreuse and orange.
What time of day is best for crappie fishing?
The best time to fish for crappie is at early dawn and dusk But during the colder months it can be at the warmest time of day in the afternoon. Crappie generally feed most actively in low light, so this leaves the night as another great time to catch them as well if you have the opportunity.
How deep is crappie May?
“On High Rock Lake, spawning depth is usually 3 to 5 feet – depending on the water clarity. With dirty water, beds may be as shallow as 18 inches. In some very clear-water lakes, crappie may bed 8 to 10 feet deep – but that is not the norm.”.
Where will crappie be in 50 degree water?
When the water temperature is 50 to 56 degrees, most crappies will be found staging on flats ranging from 6 to 15 feet deep “Whenever anglers start catching fish shallow they often think the fish must be spawning.
Where are crappies in 40 degree water?
32-40 degrees Crappie have been tight to cover and holding along creek and river channel ledges The number one rule to fishing these temperatures is “go slow.” A fast presentation will seldom work in cold water.
How old is a 14 inch crappie?
At fourteen inches, the typical black crappie weighs 1.7 pounds and will be 14.3 years old A 14-inch white crappie will be 1.4 pounds and 9.1 years old.
Do crappie bite at night in spring?
Crappie are active at night , moving shallower than at other times and actively seeking food. They feed opportunistically on concentrations of forage, which is central why summer night fishing tends to be predictable. Lights shining on the water at night often begin a process that congregates active crappie.
Can you catch crappie in the middle of the day?
Can you catch crappie during the day? Crappie will bite at any time of the day but during the middle part of the day, crappie will be tucked in very tight to cover or far under docks and will become sluggish in the hotter water You can still get them to bite but you need to put the bait right on them.
How deep do you fish for crappie?
Crappie like to spawn in areas of shallow water, usually around 2-to-4 feet deep , with cover such as brush, flooded timber or weeds, and with easy access to deeper water.
Where are crappie in early March?
Also consider regions, the start of crappie spawing can begin in early March in the Southern United States and moving North as late as June in Southern Canada.
How do you catch prespawn crappie?
Prespawn crappie often hold on points sloping toward bottom channels. Among the best lures for fishing these areas are small, deep-diving, baitfish-imitating crankbaits It’s difficult to keep crankbaits at favored depths and still move them slow enough to entice lethargic crappie.
What is the best crappie bait?
Minnows, worms, insects —just about anything can catch a crappie’s attention. You don’t have to worry about the color of the bait, and you’re only throwing them what they would be eating anyway. Minnows are hands-down the favorite used by most, and some even tip a jig with a live minnow for a double-whammy.
References
https://www.in-fisherman.com/editorial/spring-crappie-location-finding-slabs/154925