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Crappie Facts

Crappie

Crappie are prolific fish that congregate in large schools. The most popular bait for this warm-water species is live minnows, fished around brushpiles and boat docks. The black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) are species of fish in the sunfish family. Other common names include Sac-a-lait, white perch, papermouth and calico bass.

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Latest Crappie Tips

Spreader Rig (Video Included)

Strong knots are the heart and soul of fishing rigs, and a good knot for one good rig is the loop knot for tying a spreader rig. A loop knot fixes a loop at any desired point on a length of monofilament. A hook can then be threaded onto the loop so it hangs out away from the line, thus the name “spreader rig.”

How to Fish for Crappie in the Wintertime

For many anglers, the tasty crappie is only a springtime target. However, with some planning, you can catch crappie year-round.

Locating Crappie During Cold Weather

To pattern wintertime crappie, look for cover along the thermocline where crappie will be holding.

How to Study the Weather to Find Crappie

Be aware of the weather. Weather and barometric pressure can have great impact on where the crappie will be, and how they'll bite.

How to Fish for Postspawn Crappie

During postspawn, fish for crappie on the first dropoff away from the bank, between the spawning area and the creek channels.

How to Locate Prespawn Crappie

Crappie are often at their largest just before the spawn. Females are full of roe then, and crappie of both sexes still may be carrying their winter weights.

How to Make Crappie Cover Work

Working cover effectively is critical to taking crappie. Crappie often will hold tightly to cover, especially in the spring and the summer.

How to Find More and Bigger Crappie

Often, the most and biggest crappie in any lake will be found in the creeks in the middle of the lake. The water temperature in that section of a lake is usually the most stable.

Dragnet Crappie

During the spawn, put your minnow in the deepest part of the cover. When you locate crappie, mark that spot on your GPS.

How to Pinpoint Crappie Hotspots

Generally, crappie will hold at the same depth on the same day in similar areas.

How to Build Your Own Crappie Hotspots

Fish attractors can help any angler build productive honey holes for crappie. By creating habitat where the crappie can hold, you can have crappie available and easily accessible year-round.

Tips For Catching Crappie

Crappie take small plastic jigs, jig-and-spinner combos and live minnows. But the one you choose to try often makes the difference between a good day and a great one.