New To Crappie Fishing

[Jigfishn10]

Hey guys, I'm sure there are a few threads regarding this, but I was wondering about crappie seasonal movements. From what I've read they appear to be a bit like bass: spawn early spring (I'm assuming before bass), make their way to deeper water as summer approaches yet still relating to cover and by fall??? I have no idea, if they come in to feed or stay out in deeper water.

Any help or advice on fishing for these guys would be much appreciated and helpful.

Thanks

[TRYTOFISH]

water temps are key to crappie. crappie spawn from 52-58 degree water temps. (consistent). will move shallower as temps rise and generally stage around brush or thick cover, cedar trees are there favorite around here. after spawn will go back to deeper channels around cover

[Jigfishn10]

Thanks for the information TRYTOFISH.

[whiterockjesse1]

you can also find crappie before winter sets in ,in shallow water ( 6 ft ) by piers . the usually bite there at night . when winter sets in the shad go to feeder creeks (shallower water that warms thruout the day with sunlight )and the crappie follow .the best times are an hour before sundown . they can be in water from 4 to 12 feet .(use a slip bobber and try different depths to find a pattern) jig and bobber combinations are a good way to fish this time of year especially because baiting minnnows this time of the year can chill the fingers lol and they also seem to like smaller baits .after winter comes spring and they will spawn in real shallow water , this time of the year you can catch them with jig or minnow under a bobber from 12 -18 inches . then summer comes and you will find them in deerper waters from 20 to 30 ft .using minnows in tmbered areas is a good place to find them . i always fished the shady side of the tree trunk and let the minnows all the way down and reeled up very slow till i got a bite .when the action stopped i would go to a different tree and do the same . this is a good way to increase your numbers . some people stay in one spot once they find some but most spots only hold a certain amount of fish . so its important to move often in the hot summer when boat fishing . hope this helps and gives you some ideas on where to find them .of course there are always exceptions to these guidlines ..  tight lines ! w/r/j 

[Jigfishn10]

Thanks for the info whiterock. There's some really good tips you shared. Again, thank you very much.

[Robert Parsons]

Good stuff whiterock.

we found them yesterday in the brush tops in three feet of water, with a drop off to nine feet of water, near to the brush tops.  We were fishing 12-18'' deep in the tops.