Al Lindner and Ty Sjodin capitalize on an early season crappie bite while sharing some tips and strategies for targeting springtime slabs.

Early Season Crappie Strategies

Spring is a magical time of the year when a majority of the fish can be found in shallow water and crappies are no exception.

As water temperatures rise and the ice melts, crappies transition from deep water basins to shallower areas in search of spawning grounds.

This migration from deep to shallow water occurs throughout the entirety of the crappies range, which extends through most of the United States and into parts of Canada.

Location for Early Season Crappies

The biggest key to finding early season crappies is to locate the warmest water. Warm water attracts baitfish and crappies in search of good spawning habitat.

A few degrees of change of water temperature is a big deal in spring.

Look for shallow bays, coves, or channels with a depth ranging from two to ten feet of water. These areas are going to warm up the fastest.

After locating the warmest water; you will want look for structure in that area that crappies will relate to.

In most cases docks, wood, cattails, reed beds, and lily pad fields are likely spots to find early season crappies.

Once you’ve located a good area it’s time to start fishing.

Spring crappies can be notoriously nomadic, so don’t be afraid to move around if you’re not getting bites.

If there are fish in the area they will typically bite quickly.

Weather

Weather can play a big factor in spring fishing especially for crappies.

Spring crappies are highly sensitive to changes in light and weather conditions.

Depending on the weather change the crappies may move shallow or could potentially slide out to deeper water.

As an angler you always want to keep this in mind incase the fish move.

Baits

There are a bunch of different baits that work great for crappies, but a jig paired with a plastic tends to the go-to for most crappie anglers.

Today’s plastics come in just about every shape, size, and color imaginable.

Anglers can find plastics that imitate invertebrates, minnows, and other forage that crappies commonly feed on in the spring.

Wherever you fish for crappies there are plastics that will work on your favorite body of water.

Regardless of bait you use to catch spring crappies it is important to slow down your presentation.

A slower moving bait tends to stay in the strike zone longer and in return triggers more bites.

One of the best ways to slow down a presentation is to use a bobber.

Bobbers are a great way to presentation baits for crappies in the spring. They allow you keep your bait in one place for an extended period of time and give your presentation a little more weight making it easier to cast.

Not to mention they also allow the angler to detect lightest of bites when the fish are in a finicky mood.

Northland Fishing Tackle makes a variety of different bobbers styles that are suited for early season crappie fishing.

Gear

Setting up a rod for early season crappie fishing is simple and easy.

Most anglers prefer a light powered rod between 6 1/2-foot and 7 1/2-foot long.

Pair that with a 1000 to 2500 sized Daiwa reel spooled with a three to six pound line.

Most anglers prefer to use three to six pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon because it’s easy to cast and it minimizes line visibility.

This set-up works fantastic for crappies, but can be used for all types of panfish all throughout the year.

FAQ’s

1. Why do crappies move into the shallows?

Early season crappies migrate from their wintering areas to shallow structure in order to spawn.

2. What water temperatures do crappies spawn at?

Crappies beginning spawning when water temperatures are around sixty degrees.

3. Do you need livebait to catch spring crappies?

No. Hair jigs and plastics often outproduce live bait when fishing for crappies.

4. What is the best color baits for spring crappies?

Orange, pink, white, and chartreuse are they most popular bait colors, and work incredible well in the spring.

5. What pound line test should I use for crappies?

When crappie fishing three to six pound line test is preferred. Due to a crappies good eyesight fluorocarbon leaders are also beneficial.

Conclusion

Spring is one of the best times of the year to chase down some crappies.

By understanding early season crappie movements and utilizing a few proven presentations, you can catch yourself a pile of big slabs in no time.