The Best Time to Go Crappie Fishing

Fishing for crappie may seem simple and easy since there are many available techniques you can try, but it can be a little bit challenging, especially when it comes to the best time for catching them. 

Crappie is a fish species that you can catch all year round. There's a lot of varieties such as white and black crappie.

But the question is: when will be the best time to catch crappie? Here, I'll give you fishing tips and more information on what I've learned in the seven years that I've been a crappie fisherman with Lead Slingers.

When Should You Fish for Crappie? 

Crappie responds to changes in water temperature very strongly. The best time to fish for crappie is when the temperature is about 68°F to 72°F. During this time, the crappie spawn time and post-spawn are at their peak. 

When the water is relatively cool, the conditions are bright enough for the fish to see but also dark enough to let them hide from their predators. Going on a crappie fishing trip in the morning and night is recommended, especially during the spawning season. 

Catching Crappie Based on Water Temperature 

Water temperature plays a vital role in crappie fishing. Although you can catch fish almost every time of the year, it is best to know when is the perfect time and perfect temperature to go fishing.

To further explain the role that water temperature plays in fishing, continue reading the articles below. 

Below 40 Degrees

At this temperature, crappie is barely moving or feeding. It will be huddling in schools around 30-feet deep, depending on the water structure you are fishing.

If you plan to fish in this cold water temperature, you should go low and slow. Once you find a school, drop your bait slowly in front of them. Although the bites may be few, you can still land decent-sized crappie. 

41-50 Degrees

When the water reaches this level, the fish will tend to move on the shallower, though still deep water, around 20 feet deep. You’ll most likely find them when they feed at about 5 feet deep. Although fish movements are slow, you can still try your luck during this time. A smaller crappie jig or baitfish around 1.5 inches can do the trick. 

51-60 Degrees

Crappie is beginning to prepare for the spawn during this time, which means it is feeding like crazy. This fish is moving faster during this point. Moreover, it is about to feed on every bait, small fish, or jigs that you will put in front. 

They tend to move on shallow coves and bay, where it heats up faster than the other areas of the water. This water temp is considered golden because it predicts the fish's movements since they will have a pattern and continue to follow until the water reaches 60°F or more. 

61-68 Degrees

The crappie spawn is in full effect at this level. This water temp usually sets in mid to late spring, depending on the location. Both male and female fish will be in the shallow waters for two weeks; this puts the fish in a frenzy. 

You could have days when you'll be able to take home a huge amount of fish in a row. Crappie fishing during this temperature is an experience you shouldn't miss. 

69-73 Degrees

This temperature is where crappie fishing is at its peak. The crappie is aggressively feeding and is at its highest activity level during and after the spawn. It is likely to be found in concentrated masses and shallow water areas. 

Above 74 Degrees

The crappie tends to spread as the water reaches this temperature level. The post-spawn will probably result in a mass feeding frenzy, but it will not last too long. 

The fish will move to deeper and cooler waters as the waters heat up. There is still an action going on but not as crazy as during spawning, and it might be challenging to find a large school. Fish are still moving fast, so a brief presentation is still recommended. 

Best Season for Crappie Fishing

Each season of the year brings a change in how and where you should go fishing for crappie. In this section, I will tell you the success level for crappie fishing in every season. 

Spring

Fishing for crappie during the early spring was like when you were fishing in the winter. They will be more active during the warmest parts of the day because the water is still cold. Therefore, it is best to fish in the early afternoon. As the season progresses, you'll be able to start fishing early in the morning, late afternoon, or even at night. 

Spring is where the spawning takes place. It is an excellent time to fish for crappie. They will be offshore in deeper water during the day but can be close to shore at night. 

Summer

Summer crappie stays deep down in the water during summer because that is where the water is cooler. So when you are fishing for crappie during this time, do it early in the morning, late afternoon, or throughout the night. It thrives more during reduced light conditions since it gives them a tactical advantage over its prey.

During these cool periods in the summer, crappie can be much closer to shore in the shallower parts of the water. This means that anglers can do crappie fishing from the dock without a boat. 

Fall

In the early fall, crappie becomes active in the cooler parts of the day when the light conditions are reduced. Sunrise and sunset can be an excellent time to go fishing for crappie.

Fall is the season they are aggressively feeding because they are preparing to store some fats for the winter, so now is the perfect time to land a huge catch. 

Later in the season, go fishing during the warmer periods of the day, like the afternoon. Crappie will mainly be active when the water temperature is warmer since the water temperature in late fall is a lot colder than they prefer. 

Winter

The winter slabs will be out for a short period during midday or early afternoon, so put all your fishing efforts during this time. 

But remember, crappie won't feed much during winter. They might feed during the warmer parts of the day, but their bites will be sluggish. It is a rare instance where crappie will go all the way to chase a lure. So be sure to slowly pave your way down and bring the lure right in front of them. 

An Exciting Crappie Fishing with Lead Slingers 

Crappie fishing can be hard at times, but it sure is exciting. Searching for the perfect lure, time, and temperature makes it exciting and successful.

You can fish with me on Lead Slingers if you want to experience this angling action and learn more about crappie fishing. I regularly post my schedule on my Facebook page, so check it out and message me if you have any more queries.