Spawning Crappie

Spawning crappie are probably the easiest to catch, if you are there when it happens. What to look for here in the southern Louisiana bayous are standing trees, reeds, stumps or any structure along the banks. But, not all fish spawn in shallow water. While this is certainly true for the most part, I have caught spawning fish in 5-7 feet of water. Targeting fallen trees can produce in deeper water. Standing trees can be the most productive, but also the most fished. So if you are fishing behind boats beating these spots, it can be tough. When fishing pressure is great durning the spawn, look for areas and places that have not been hit. These can be hidden stumps, or isolated standing trees that most folks have past by. Marsh fish will typically move right up against the bank. Bayous with reeds or grass and decently clean water are good spawning areas. Try going shallow on your approach, it could mean the difference between catching fish or not. The good thing about spawning fish is that they move in at different times, so even if someone may have fished your favorite spot, there will still be fish. It's worth looking at again during that day. Best times to look for spawning fish: usually but not always, around a full moon. Next, and perhaps the most important, look for water temps to warm in the 60s, especially in February and March. There are exceptions to everything, I have caught spawning fish as early as January and as late as April/May. Not all fish spawn at the same time. This is natures way of ensuring future stocks. Yes, I advocate catch and release during the spawn or at least keep what you need and let the rest go. If you have noticed, the fishing pressure is intense these days and although limits are good, many areas can be affected by over fishing. The one thing I have learned about fishing is that no day you can go is a bad day. Nature decides when fish will bite. All the science or thought about times and dates and temps do not make fish feed. They have their own elusive way about when and where they will bite. But, being there at that right place, right day, and right time can make it all worth while. Good luck fishing. Hope to see ya on the water.

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