Post by barrebobber on Mar 12, 2012 7:08:48 GMT -4
Ice is just about done, ditch fishing next boys and girls! Here's a neat guide to water temps and their movement.
Water Temperature guide for
crappie by: Paul Mahler
Privacy Policy
All rights reserved
"Most, if not all experienced anglers consider water temperature as the single
most critical factor governing crappie location and behavior. This guide will help
you pinpoint crappie year-round, so you can spend more time fishing and less time
searching."
Water Temperature: 35 Degrees
Crappie will be holding tight to bottom cover in 30-50 feet deep and tight-lipped,
but they still need to eat and is catchable with the right presentation. Look for
humps or other bottom-hugging cover in or near main-lake river channels. Fish
straight down with a vertical presentation using small live minnows on a Kentucky
rig, or very slowly "bounce" small spoons jigged just above the fish. Kentucky
Rig consist of two hooks about a foot or two apart with a bell sinker attached to
bottom.
Water Temperature: 40 Degrees
Schools of crappie often suspend in open water in 20-30 feet deep as they begin
migrating from deep river channels toward major tributaries, where they will
eventually spawn. Most females will remain on river channel structure in
considerably deeper water. Slow troll as slow as possible with hook/minnow and a
Road Runner with minnow tied on bottom just above the schools.
Water Temperature: 45 Degrees
Many crappies have started migrating toward their eventual spawning areas.
Target crappie hanging tight to submerged wood on deep channel banks, about a
quarter of the way into the creek arm, 10 to 20 feet deep. Cast soft plastic grubs or
other lures with a vibrating tails to channel bends with wood. Cast, let the lure sink
until it contacts the cover, then immediately begin swimming it slowly and steadily
back to the boat.
Water Temperature: 50 Degrees
The prespawn migration is in full swing, with large numbers of crappies moving
into reservoir tributary arms. The males will make their move shallower following a
few days of mild, sunny weather. Continue targeting the creek channel migration
route, keying on isolated wood cover along channel bends with deep water
nearby, since crappie will insulate themselves from the impact of frontal passages.
Fish with minnow or jig/wax worm in wood cover as males are preparing the cover
for the spawn. Sometimes it wouldn't hurt to turn around and fish off other side of
the boat with a Kentucky rig baited with minnows or a minnow/tube bait
combination along the channel drop. The females will be hanging there waiting for
the prime time to move in to spawn.
Water Temperature: 55 Degrees
Expect the bite to get more aggressive as crappies begin feeling “the urge to
merge” and feed heavily before spawning. Schools of baitfish continue to be a
primary location factor as crappies fatten up before spawning. Shallow ditches
veering off the creek channel and running toward shallow spawning coves can
hold huge fish. Work the creek channel with curly-tail grubs or minnows, keying
on brushy cover in the 6 to 12 foot zone. Crappie may be as shallow as 1-3 feet
deep along these structures.
Water Temperature: 60 Degrees
Male crappies fan out the nest while the females hang around outside the cover
witing for the water temperature to get a degree or two warmer before moving in
on the beds, and now is a good time to load the boat with oversize fish. Some
crappie may have already started the spawn if shallower water is warmer.
Tightlining minnows and jigging tube baits around sunken cover will score heavy
crappie catches in murky water. In clear water, back off your target, make a long
cast and swim a curlytail grub.
Water Temperature: 65 Degrees
Spawning should be in full swing now, but some will still be in a prespawn mode. If
you aren’t catching quality fish on likely spawning cover, back off and target
prespawn crappies instead. Spawning takes place on woody cover such as: brush
piles, stake beds, etc... in the upper ends of brushy coves and creek arms, in 2 to
8 feet deep, and some as shallow as 6 inches deep depending on the lake's water
clarity. Prespawn fish will be in three to six feet of water, but will chase minnows
shallower. Tight-lining minnows on long rods is the standard method now, but
target-casting grubs and tubes to submerged wood works, too.
Water Temperature: 70 Degrees
Some crappies will be done spawning, while others are finally moving onto their
beds. Keep fishing as the spawn is still going strong. Cast tubes and grubs or tight-
line minnows close to cover. If you’re catching small fish, back off and hit deeper
isolated stake beds and stumps for the bigger females.
Water Temperature: 75 Degrees
While a few lingering crappie may still be spawning, postspawn fish will hang
around bedding areas for several days until the water temperature rises. Some
postspawn fish will be on isolated pieces of cover adjacent to spawning sites as
the males move back in to protect the nests. Determine the crappies’ spawning
mode. If tube baits or minnows don’t produce strikes in thick brush and stake
beds, cast grubs to scattered wood.
Water Temperature: 80 Degrees
Most crappie fishermen hang up their rods after the spawn, but a shift in tactics
can yield fast action on postspawn fish. Before moving to their deep summer
haunts, many crappies gravitate to the edges of flats, hanging tight to scattered
wood or suspending above the breakline closest to the structure. Troll small
diving crankbaits like the 200 series Bandit around the edges of flats in the 6 to 18
foot zone, occasionally banging the plugs off stumps and bottom.
Water Temperature: 85 Degrees
Crappies will be moving out of tributaries via the same creek channel migration
routes they traveled before spawning. Slabs gang up on secondary and primary
points that drop quickly into deep water. Look for them suspending 18 to 30 feet
deep around baitfish schools. Target channel points using a Kentucky rig bumped
slowly along bottom.
Water Temperature: 90 Degrees
Crappies suspend for long periods, and may be sluggish now to conserve
metabolic energy. River-run reservoirs with a flowing channel usually have better
fishing now than calmer lakes. Channel ledges lined with standing timber or
brushy cover offer your best bet now. Crappies are probably suspending 18 to 30
feet deep in 50 feet of water. You can still catch crappie in shallow water if you
can find shady areas such as lily pads and over-hanging trees where water may be
cooler.
Water Temperature: 85 Degrees
While the lake’s surface temperature cools quickly as the days grow shorter in
early fall, deeper water cools more gradually, so expect to find crappies deep.
Deep channel cover continues to be your best bet for finding concentrations of
fish. Kentucky rigs bumped along cover and minnows or spoons jigged over wood.
Water Temperature: 80 Degrees
Crappies are following channels, or moving shallow to prey on baitfish schools, so
expect a pickup in activity. Primary tributary points, where the creek and river
channel intersect, can hold a ton of baitfish and crappies. Target the 12 to 25 foot
zone with minnows on a Kentucky rig. If crappies are suspended, slow-troll jigs,
Road Runners, or crankbaits.
Water Temperature: 75 Degrees
Shad move into shallow coves and tributaries to spawn, and crappies follow. The
first half of reservoir tributary arms will hold large schools of crappies. Target
scattered wood along the creek channel 10 to 20 feet deep, sometimes shallower
depending on water clarity. Kentucky rigs with minnow works well for me.
Water Temperature: 70 Degrees
Crappies follow baitfish back into the tributaries to feed and fatten up for the
winter. Check channels, secondary points and flats in the back half of reservoir
tributary arms. Crappies hold anywhere from two to 10 feet deep, depending on
water clarity. Cover water quickly, casting a curly-tail grub or small shad colored
crankbait to every piece of wood you can find.
Water Temperature: 65 Degrees
Reservoir drawdown usually starts about this time, thus dropping water levels
push baitfish and crappies out of tributary arms into deeper water. Crappies use
the same migratory routes they took in spring to move back to the main lake. Find
them on creek channel cover in the 10-18 feet deep. Cast grubs or bump
Kentucky rigs around creek channel cover.
Water Temperature: 60 Degrees
Colder nights spell a rapid cool-down. As drawdown continues, many crappies
leave reservoir tributaries. Deep points and steep banks at or near the mouths of
tributaries hold large schools of crappies in the 15- to 25-foot zone. Try slow
trolling live minnows on long rods rigged with heavy sinkers. Lower the sinker to
bottom, then reel up to the level of suspended crappie. The sinkers will help
locate cover and prevent hooks from snagging.
Water Temperature: 55 Degrees
The 60-degree pattern should remain about the same until the lake turns over.
Deep points and steep rock bluffs near tributary mouths hold concentrations of
fish. Slow troll jigs or pull crankbaits through schools of fish in the open water
between the points.
Water Temperature: 50 Degrees
Turnover usually occurs during the fall-winter transition, triggering a wholesale
movement of crappies. Crappies are often tight to bottom around intersection of
channels in 25 to 40 feet deep, and they’re going to stay that way through the cold
weather months, so slow trolling with vibrating lures could be your best bet along
the channels.
Water Temperature: 45 Degrees
Crappies have settled into a winter pattern now, setting up on deep channel
structure. Channels with brush, 18 to 40 feet deep. Fish the bottom along bends,
drop-offs, and humps.
Water Temperature: 40 Degrees
Crappies are deep and feed only sporadically. Look for crappies 30 to 50 feet
deep. Fishing spoons along the channel, or hug bottom with your Kentucky rig
Water Temperature guide for
crappie by: Paul Mahler
Privacy Policy
All rights reserved
"Most, if not all experienced anglers consider water temperature as the single
most critical factor governing crappie location and behavior. This guide will help
you pinpoint crappie year-round, so you can spend more time fishing and less time
searching."
Water Temperature: 35 Degrees
Crappie will be holding tight to bottom cover in 30-50 feet deep and tight-lipped,
but they still need to eat and is catchable with the right presentation. Look for
humps or other bottom-hugging cover in or near main-lake river channels. Fish
straight down with a vertical presentation using small live minnows on a Kentucky
rig, or very slowly "bounce" small spoons jigged just above the fish. Kentucky
Rig consist of two hooks about a foot or two apart with a bell sinker attached to
bottom.
Water Temperature: 40 Degrees
Schools of crappie often suspend in open water in 20-30 feet deep as they begin
migrating from deep river channels toward major tributaries, where they will
eventually spawn. Most females will remain on river channel structure in
considerably deeper water. Slow troll as slow as possible with hook/minnow and a
Road Runner with minnow tied on bottom just above the schools.
Water Temperature: 45 Degrees
Many crappies have started migrating toward their eventual spawning areas.
Target crappie hanging tight to submerged wood on deep channel banks, about a
quarter of the way into the creek arm, 10 to 20 feet deep. Cast soft plastic grubs or
other lures with a vibrating tails to channel bends with wood. Cast, let the lure sink
until it contacts the cover, then immediately begin swimming it slowly and steadily
back to the boat.
Water Temperature: 50 Degrees
The prespawn migration is in full swing, with large numbers of crappies moving
into reservoir tributary arms. The males will make their move shallower following a
few days of mild, sunny weather. Continue targeting the creek channel migration
route, keying on isolated wood cover along channel bends with deep water
nearby, since crappie will insulate themselves from the impact of frontal passages.
Fish with minnow or jig/wax worm in wood cover as males are preparing the cover
for the spawn. Sometimes it wouldn't hurt to turn around and fish off other side of
the boat with a Kentucky rig baited with minnows or a minnow/tube bait
combination along the channel drop. The females will be hanging there waiting for
the prime time to move in to spawn.
Water Temperature: 55 Degrees
Expect the bite to get more aggressive as crappies begin feeling “the urge to
merge” and feed heavily before spawning. Schools of baitfish continue to be a
primary location factor as crappies fatten up before spawning. Shallow ditches
veering off the creek channel and running toward shallow spawning coves can
hold huge fish. Work the creek channel with curly-tail grubs or minnows, keying
on brushy cover in the 6 to 12 foot zone. Crappie may be as shallow as 1-3 feet
deep along these structures.
Water Temperature: 60 Degrees
Male crappies fan out the nest while the females hang around outside the cover
witing for the water temperature to get a degree or two warmer before moving in
on the beds, and now is a good time to load the boat with oversize fish. Some
crappie may have already started the spawn if shallower water is warmer.
Tightlining minnows and jigging tube baits around sunken cover will score heavy
crappie catches in murky water. In clear water, back off your target, make a long
cast and swim a curlytail grub.
Water Temperature: 65 Degrees
Spawning should be in full swing now, but some will still be in a prespawn mode. If
you aren’t catching quality fish on likely spawning cover, back off and target
prespawn crappies instead. Spawning takes place on woody cover such as: brush
piles, stake beds, etc... in the upper ends of brushy coves and creek arms, in 2 to
8 feet deep, and some as shallow as 6 inches deep depending on the lake's water
clarity. Prespawn fish will be in three to six feet of water, but will chase minnows
shallower. Tight-lining minnows on long rods is the standard method now, but
target-casting grubs and tubes to submerged wood works, too.
Water Temperature: 70 Degrees
Some crappies will be done spawning, while others are finally moving onto their
beds. Keep fishing as the spawn is still going strong. Cast tubes and grubs or tight-
line minnows close to cover. If you’re catching small fish, back off and hit deeper
isolated stake beds and stumps for the bigger females.
Water Temperature: 75 Degrees
While a few lingering crappie may still be spawning, postspawn fish will hang
around bedding areas for several days until the water temperature rises. Some
postspawn fish will be on isolated pieces of cover adjacent to spawning sites as
the males move back in to protect the nests. Determine the crappies’ spawning
mode. If tube baits or minnows don’t produce strikes in thick brush and stake
beds, cast grubs to scattered wood.
Water Temperature: 80 Degrees
Most crappie fishermen hang up their rods after the spawn, but a shift in tactics
can yield fast action on postspawn fish. Before moving to their deep summer
haunts, many crappies gravitate to the edges of flats, hanging tight to scattered
wood or suspending above the breakline closest to the structure. Troll small
diving crankbaits like the 200 series Bandit around the edges of flats in the 6 to 18
foot zone, occasionally banging the plugs off stumps and bottom.
Water Temperature: 85 Degrees
Crappies will be moving out of tributaries via the same creek channel migration
routes they traveled before spawning. Slabs gang up on secondary and primary
points that drop quickly into deep water. Look for them suspending 18 to 30 feet
deep around baitfish schools. Target channel points using a Kentucky rig bumped
slowly along bottom.
Water Temperature: 90 Degrees
Crappies suspend for long periods, and may be sluggish now to conserve
metabolic energy. River-run reservoirs with a flowing channel usually have better
fishing now than calmer lakes. Channel ledges lined with standing timber or
brushy cover offer your best bet now. Crappies are probably suspending 18 to 30
feet deep in 50 feet of water. You can still catch crappie in shallow water if you
can find shady areas such as lily pads and over-hanging trees where water may be
cooler.
Water Temperature: 85 Degrees
While the lake’s surface temperature cools quickly as the days grow shorter in
early fall, deeper water cools more gradually, so expect to find crappies deep.
Deep channel cover continues to be your best bet for finding concentrations of
fish. Kentucky rigs bumped along cover and minnows or spoons jigged over wood.
Water Temperature: 80 Degrees
Crappies are following channels, or moving shallow to prey on baitfish schools, so
expect a pickup in activity. Primary tributary points, where the creek and river
channel intersect, can hold a ton of baitfish and crappies. Target the 12 to 25 foot
zone with minnows on a Kentucky rig. If crappies are suspended, slow-troll jigs,
Road Runners, or crankbaits.
Water Temperature: 75 Degrees
Shad move into shallow coves and tributaries to spawn, and crappies follow. The
first half of reservoir tributary arms will hold large schools of crappies. Target
scattered wood along the creek channel 10 to 20 feet deep, sometimes shallower
depending on water clarity. Kentucky rigs with minnow works well for me.
Water Temperature: 70 Degrees
Crappies follow baitfish back into the tributaries to feed and fatten up for the
winter. Check channels, secondary points and flats in the back half of reservoir
tributary arms. Crappies hold anywhere from two to 10 feet deep, depending on
water clarity. Cover water quickly, casting a curly-tail grub or small shad colored
crankbait to every piece of wood you can find.
Water Temperature: 65 Degrees
Reservoir drawdown usually starts about this time, thus dropping water levels
push baitfish and crappies out of tributary arms into deeper water. Crappies use
the same migratory routes they took in spring to move back to the main lake. Find
them on creek channel cover in the 10-18 feet deep. Cast grubs or bump
Kentucky rigs around creek channel cover.
Water Temperature: 60 Degrees
Colder nights spell a rapid cool-down. As drawdown continues, many crappies
leave reservoir tributaries. Deep points and steep banks at or near the mouths of
tributaries hold large schools of crappies in the 15- to 25-foot zone. Try slow
trolling live minnows on long rods rigged with heavy sinkers. Lower the sinker to
bottom, then reel up to the level of suspended crappie. The sinkers will help
locate cover and prevent hooks from snagging.
Water Temperature: 55 Degrees
The 60-degree pattern should remain about the same until the lake turns over.
Deep points and steep rock bluffs near tributary mouths hold concentrations of
fish. Slow troll jigs or pull crankbaits through schools of fish in the open water
between the points.
Water Temperature: 50 Degrees
Turnover usually occurs during the fall-winter transition, triggering a wholesale
movement of crappies. Crappies are often tight to bottom around intersection of
channels in 25 to 40 feet deep, and they’re going to stay that way through the cold
weather months, so slow trolling with vibrating lures could be your best bet along
the channels.
Water Temperature: 45 Degrees
Crappies have settled into a winter pattern now, setting up on deep channel
structure. Channels with brush, 18 to 40 feet deep. Fish the bottom along bends,
drop-offs, and humps.
Water Temperature: 40 Degrees
Crappies are deep and feed only sporadically. Look for crappies 30 to 50 feet
deep. Fishing spoons along the channel, or hug bottom with your Kentucky rig