Crappie: Where and How to Catch Them by Season
Where Crappie hold, what to throw and when the bite peaks, season by season, with lakes to try.
When the bite is on
Across 1207 lakes in our guide that list this fish, the bite rates highest in April, May, October. Bars show how strong the bite is, month by month (tallest bar in red is the peak).
Season by season
At 50-60F, crappie move from deeper brush to shallow coves, bushes and docks in 3-10 ft. Small jigs or minnows below a float find them. Fish early in the day.
They suspend around deep brush piles, bridge pilings and submerged trees at 10-25 ft. Vertical jigging, spider rigging or trolling small jigs works. Shade and low light help; nights under lights can be great.
As temps drop through the 60s, crappie follow shad into creeks and shallower brush at 8-20 ft. Tight-line minnows or tiny jigs near submerged structure.
Under 45F they gather in schools in deeper basins, brush and channel edges at 15-30 ft. Slow-fall jigs, minnows, and tiny spoons are best, and fishing is best on bright, stable afternoons.
Spawn arrives at 58-68F, in 1-6 ft around brush, stumps, and weeds. Males guard the nest, so small jigs under a float and minnows give steady action.
Baits that work
- 1/32-1/16 oz jigs with soft plastic bodies
- Live minnows
- Small spinners
- Tube jigs
- Slip-float minnow rigs
Common mistakes
- Fishing too deep during spawn
- Using heavy line
- Rushing slow presentations
- Overlooking suspended fish above brush
Lakes to try
Lakes in our guide where this fish rates at its best, with maps, boat ramps and bait shops on every page.