It seems that the Crappie is one of America’s favorite fish. The annual Crappie spawn is the favorite time of year for most people to fill their freezers with tasty Crappie fillets. Unfortunately, few people understand or know how to catch Crappie after the spawn. This is a shame as these fish are prolific feeders if you know where to find them. Here are 3 Crappie fishing tips you’ll need to know in order to catch these fish after the spawn.
First, don’t think the spawn just occurs during April. Crappie spawn generally runs for several months. In fact, Crappie spawn in waves and the Moon usually has as much, if not more, effect on the spawn than water temperature. It’s not uncommon for us to catch spawning Crappie from March through June. I’ve caught spawning fish on the banks as late as the third week in June. So don’t give up on the shallows just because the water temp is in the mid 70′s!
Once it turns hot, look shallow! Yes, you heard me! Here in the Mid South, Crappie will move to rip rap when the weather turns hot after the spawn. It’s not uncommon to catch these fish in 3 to 5 feet of water when the temperature is in the 90′s. If there is a major creek arm in your area, look for Summer crappie back up that creek hanging in the 3 to 5 foot range around flooded timber. I like to start with the trees nearest the channel ledges and work my way toward bank. The hotter the weather gets, the more Crappie love standing timber!
Don’t forget about the night action! At night during the Summer, you can find Crappie in the shallows next to creek channel drop offs. I generally take a floating light and find a point on a submerged creek channel and tie up. If the crappie are there, it won’t take them long to find the baitfish that is attracted to the light!
Good luck and remember, don’t give up on the Crappie just because the spawn is over. These crappie fishing tips will help you extend your fishing pleasure!