Spring is always a good time for crappie fishing.  The rest of the year can be too, if you just give it a chance.
A common misconception about crappie is they can only be caught in the spring.  While the action may be fast and furious around spawning time, the fact is that crappies feed and can be readily caught all year long.  Better understanding their seasonal habits is a distinct advantage when an angler heads to the lake in search of America’s favorite pan fish.  In this article Mike Simpson will discuss what he says are “key points” to consider though out the different seasons.

         Crappie are a fish for all seasons

                  By Mike Simpson

      

Spring

As the weather starts to warm, the crappie start their annual migration toward shallow water as they prepare for the spawn.  Timing and duration for this process will vary from lake to lake due to weather patterns and water conditions.  When the fish move in from their deep water haunts they will use structure as staging areas along the way as they progress to spawn. Concentrate on creek channels, points, humps, brush and ledges or any combination of these features that will be used a crappie travel to the shallows, and again on the return trip to deep water afterwards.  Since crappie don't all spawn at the same time they will be in different locations along their route to shallower water. 

These key staging areas are often overlooked as many anglers concentrate only on visible structure and cover near the shore or shallow water where the spawning takes place.

TIP - The North side of a lake or pond will warm first because of the exposure to the sun.  Also consider the fact that stained water heats quicker and holds heat longer than clear water.  Sometimes a few degrees can make a big difference!

Summer

When it gets unbearably hot outdoors, many anglers opt for the comfort of air conditioners and easy chairs.  Maybe because they have heard the dreaded “dog days of summer” phrase uttered by frustrated fishermen over the years explaining why they haven’t been successful.   Surprising enough is the fact that crappies often inhabit the same general types of water where they can be found during the winter, since they seek comfort in deeper water less affected by temperature extremes.  In the warmer water a fish needs more food to keep him

 

going so if you find lots of bait fish and structure the crappie usually won’t be too far behind.  Look for them near deep structure, around creek channels, underwater ledges and near secondary points. Depths of  15 to 25 feet is a good average range for them this time of year.” Also key in on shallow feeding areas with a quick exit to deeper water nearby.  They will often move up to feed and return to the comfort of deep water afterwards. 

Fall

As the water temperatures cool in the fall, fish will naturally go on a feeding spree as if they are going to eat enough to last them through the winter!  This can be fantastic action if your timing and location are right.  The fish will leave their deep water hangouts where they had spent the summer months to move into the shallows and feed, often to the very same areas where they spawn in the spring time.  Mike thinks this is regularly an overlooked opportunity for anglers whether fishing from the shore or a boat.  Key areas include shallow coves, bays, or ledges with access to deeper water nearby.  Start your search shallow and work towards deeper water until you find the fish.  Sudden weather changes during this period can push them back out to secondary points and channels until the weather stabilizes.  If this happens, concentrate on the mouth of the coves where creek channels enter and follow them back towards the main channel that feeds to or from the lake until you find the crappie.  After winter sets in the fish generally return to the deeper water and most will remain there until spring.

Winter

Fishing for crappie in the winter is my favorite time.  It’s the most predictable pattern of the year.  You may find them

 

suspended in open water or relating to big schools of baitfish instead of structure but you will find them in the deeper water. The cold water will slow down their metabolism so they won’t feed as often, nor will they spend excessive energy to chase down a meal so the key for your presentation is S - L - O - W.  It’s hard for a winter crappie to turn down a tasty meal that is delivered right to his nose!  Look for structure and brush from around 15’ to 25’ with deeper water nearby and you should be in business. 

Editor's Note - Mike Simpson is a 42 year old angler and lure manufacturer.  An accomplished angler he spends over 100 days on the water annually.  He is an established pan fishing expert and also the President of Crappie Magic, a newcomer in the fishing tackle industry.   Simpson  contributes content to various fishing and outdoors related web sites. His tips, stories, articles, and pictures have been enjoyed by anglers around the globe.  He invites anglers to email him with any questions.  His email address is mike@crappiemagic.com

Comments from Mike;

Although I fish for most freshwater fish, my favorite is the crappie.  My favorite technique is a slow trolling type of vertical presentation with 11-ft  and 12-ft specialty crappie rods using my own jigs for bait.   I have spent a lot of time on the water and gained a wealth of information and experience that I enjoy sharing with anglers of all ages and skill levels.  My goal is to provide knowledge that will help make a difference in your fishing enjoyment and success.

I’ll see you at the lake!