| Yes that is Crappie Spring. If you time it right | | | | the new crappie that are coming in the spring, not |
| you'll think you have a bunch of crappie jumping | | | | because of the plant material but the other life |
| on a spring just to get out of the water. In the | | | | that feeds on it. |
| middle of the United States this time occurs in | | | | Just a few words of caution when building crappie |
| early to mid May. Spring crappie fishing is a lot | | | | beds like this, some areas consider this illegal. Also |
| about timing but consider other items such as bait | | | | be sure that there is no decoration left on it as it |
| fish, other food, water temperature, type of | | | | might cause harm to the habitat and possibly the |
| crappie and shelter among other things. | | | | crappie. In one area we would sink trees and |
| Let me start with the first and that is timing in | | | | bales of hay with concrete blocks that we would |
| the spring, do not wait for a specific time. In the | | | | mark with empty jugs tied to the concrete. After |
| spring the fish are starting to get active and are | | | | many months we would raise the concrete blocks |
| really thinking about spawning. Spawning really | | | | and slowly drag the sunken and water logged |
| occurs when the water temperatures reach | | | | brush to a desired area. We would mark this area |
| about 63 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature | | | | on a map or in some areas we put markers on |
| will vary slightly depending on the area and | | | | the shore that with some skillful compass work |
| species but look for waters approaching that | | | | you could find the perfect spot. Spawning is so |
| temperature at a depth of three to 12 feet. | | | | important that we base our crappie season and |
| As I have preached time and time again look for | | | | bed structure around it but be sure to check with |
| vegetation and sunken brush. This provides shelter | | | | your local laws before attempting any of these |
| and food for crappie. The loose soil and brushy | | | | suggestions. |
| areas provide shelter. Do not ever forget this as | | | | While we are talking about spawning let us talk |
| it is what the crappie world revolves around. We | | | | about shelter as well. Crappies like to spawn in |
| have found that Christmas trees work really well | | | | areas where there is structure. This provides |
| when sunk in about six to nine feet of water. We | | | | shelter from many predators as well as from |
| have used cinder blocks or other various blocks | | | | currents. But not all predators are excluded from |
| of concrete to weigh them down. Sink these in | | | | the shelter so keep this in mind for a later point. |
| the fall and look for some minor activity the next | | | | Also look for loose gravel and muddy lake or river |
| spring but the one after that will be even better. | | | | bottoms as the crappie will make a nest in these |
| The rotting materials provide a food source for | | | | areas well if the currents and depth are right. |