Winter Crappie Tips
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When the water temperature approaches the mid 50s, crappies begin their winter phase. Crappies are one of the most sought after winter species nationwide, and with good reason. When you find them, you can catch them.
But, be advised, winter crappie fishing is not for everyone. It is tough at times, due to the weather, and sometimes even dangerous. Safety is always important, but never more so than in winter. Hypothermia can strike without warning, and in some parts of the country, even frost-bite is a very real danger. Be sure to dress accordingly, have a cell phone within reach at all times, and stay alert to hazards.
Crappie are pretty consistent throughout the country, so what works down south as far as locating schools will also work on ice up north. As the water cools into the 50s, crappie will move to shallow structure in 12 – 20 feet of water. Look for:
1. submerged and standing timber.
2. bridge pilings.
3. boat docks.
4. secondary creek channels.
5. other structures.
The best of all worlds is a:
1. shelf or channel that runs near a boat dock.
2. bridge pilings or weedy flats.
In rivers, look near current breaks and irregular bottom features. They will remain in these locations until the water temperature rises enough to trigger the pre-spawn mode, starting the entire cycle over.
Winter is the time for cane poles and crappie poles. They are a sensitive as it gets. The hits will be gentle, but don't fret. The fish aren't moody. They will bite enthusiastically … just not hard.
Crappie Like Live Minnows in The Winter
Winter Crappie Fishing Tips:
1) The best bait is small minnows, but small tube jigs can also be productive.
2) Use light line and try to fish vertically as much as possible.
3) There is no need to use a bobber as most hits will be too light to detect with it.
4) Fish will usually be near the bottom, within one or two feet, in cover.
5) The best times are, as usual, early morning, twilight, and night-time.
6) Use the lightest gear possible as the fish will be spooky and tentative.
With a little determination and work, you can have fish-frys on a regular basis all through the winter, almost anywhere.
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