As the seasons change, crappie fishing requires adjustments to stay successful. Here are some expert tips to help you catch crappie all winter long:
Southeast Louisiana
- Fish deeper sections of the main rivers (20 feet of water) as the fish move to warmer waters.
- Use a Bobby Garland Baby Shad in Black Night color on a 1/32-ounce jighead.
- Look for areas with structure, such as cypress trees, stumps, and rock piles.
- Fish during low-light periods, such as dawn and dusk, when the fish are more active.
Central Missouri
- Target stake beds and brushpiles in 10 feet of water or deeper on Lake of the Ozarks.
- Fish bluff drop-offs and main-lake docks in clearer sections of the lake.
- Use a Baby Shad from ATX Lure Company on a 1/8-ounce Apex Tackle jighead.
- Pay attention to water clarity and adjust your bait color accordingly.
- If it’s sunny, fish the shaded areas under the docks, and if it’s cloudy, fish the suspended areas outside the floats.
Northern Minnesota
- Fish through the ice using a Marmooska jighead with a crappie minnow hooked just below the dorsal fin.
- Start at weedbeds and move to deeper holes as winter progresses.
- Use a tungsten jighead for added weight and a glow tip to help fish locate the bait.
- Drill multiple holes and fish different depths to find the active fish.
Western Washington
- Fish small lakes with clear water and darker colors.
- Keep baits smaller and use brighter colors in murky water.
- Look for areas with submerged vegetation and structure, such as rocks and sunken logs.
- Fish during the mid-day period when the fish are more active.
Key Takeaways
- Pay attention to water temperature, depth, and clarity.
- Adjust your tactics and presentation accordingly.
- Use the right bait and jighead combination for the conditions.
- Fish during the most active periods of the day, such as dawn, dusk, and mid-day.
- Be patient and persistent, as winter crappie fishing can be slow and challenging.
Additional Tips
- Use a slow and steady retrieve to mimic the natural movement of the bait.
- Experiment with different bait colors and combinations to find what works best.
- Don’t be afraid to move around and try new locations.
- Keep your bait fresh and lively to increase your chances of catching fish.
Equipment Recommendations
- Use a medium-light to medium-action rod and reel combination for winter crappie fishing.
- Choose a reel with a smooth and quiet drag system.
- Use a monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a minimum of 6-8 pound test weight.
- Select a jighead that matches the size and weight of your bait.
Winter Crappie Fishing Strategies
- Fish the structure, such as rocks, weeds, and sunken logs.
- Use a bait that mimics the natural food source, such as a minnow or a shad.
- Fish at the right depth, usually near the bottom or in the middle of the water column.
- Be prepared to spend time waiting for the fish to bite, as winter crappie fishing can be slow and challenging.
By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of catching crappie this winter. Happy fishing!
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
