Crappie Migrations Through The Seasons By: 3 Time Classic Champion Ronnie Capps

Beginning with Fall / Winter fishing: I consider this period to be from the end of the post-spawn migration in early summer until the pre-spawn migration begins during early spring. In the Southeast, this covers several months, from June through February, which is when most fishermen store their crappie rods and resort to some other type of angling. Actually there are predictable habits that Crappie have during this 9 month period that can keep the action HOT for Crappie anglers every time a boat is launched. This is known as the "Nine Month Disappearance" to many less devoted anglers, but can be some of the best Crappie action of the year. 

To be successful during these months there are several factors to consider. The first being aware that conditions are very different on a reservoir system where there is no water flow. From my experience these systems will consistently present different conditions for finding fish.

In the reservoir system when Crappie conclude spawning there is a much more defined migration to deeper water as compared to an inland lake. In reservoirs, Crappie typically return via creek ledges to areas where "staging" occurred during the pre-spawn period. This is more often than not the first Substantial deep water along their return migration route. Crappie return to these areas a few at a time and some of the more preferred " staging" sites will accumulate crappie in numbers comparable to the numbers present at peak pre-spawn. The difference being that, these fish are generally " Worn Down"  from the spawn and not as excited about expending energy to take a bait. It seems that "Spoon-feeding" appropriately describes the technique needed to sack slabs during this period of inactivity. This period only lasts a few weeks, typically beginning in the Southeast during mid-May and lasting until July.

Spoon-feeding requires that you down size your bait to 1/16th oz, 1/24th oz, or 1/32oz sizes depending on the depth as compared to the 1/8th oz. Larger sizes can be used more successfully during Winter and through the pre-spawn period. The addition of some proven scent is very important during this period. Crappie Nibbles or Power Grubs are my personal favorites. I also prefer monofilament line in the 4 to 6 pound strengths which  has a moderate amount of stretch. Also, fishing speed is very important and should be decreased as compared to the speed that would be used during pre-spawn / spawn. By down sizing, this restricts you to a smaller coverage  area and requires that you be more accurate in locating a specific area of fish and have patience with that particular area. Read More>>>

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