Thread: Watch your water temperature

Just wanted to post a reminder to all you great Arkansas crappie hunters, watch your water temperature. A two or three degree increase in water temp will put the crappie on the move toward or into the shallows. They won't spawn until the conditions are right but that doesn't mean they won't be there in expectation.

Many of the crappie we are catching on Greeson are full of eggs and the males will be aggressively staking out their territory for their bed. Mr. Blake picked one up out of the net the other day and she squirted a few eggs out. They're ready and anxious. Watching the water temp and periodically checking the shallows will put you there first before anyone else. I'm sure we've got more winter weather ahead of us but above normal water temps might be an indicator that the spawn can start early this year. They'll certainly be there ready the first chance they get to do the deed.

Let the fun begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like the man knows his stuff... Never hurts to give the skinny water a quick check.

I have noticed here in this shallow lake that I live on (mound lake) that wind direction plays a significant role on the water temp. north winds will increase the temperature on the south side of the lake sometimes, because it is blowing the warmer water on top over to that bank. My experience here is that the windy bank holds the warmest water. it's more difficult to guide the boat, but it holds more baitfish, & probably the bigger predators...... the crappie.

I can't wait!

here at gold creek at conway,crappie have been moving back and forth-shallow to deep.although its been generally slow some days they catch them both ways,and pretty good.a seasoned regular here suggest they follow the shad.makes sense to me.with the numbers of fingerling shad in this lake,we ought to see some whoppers come out by spring and or fall.of course we are coming back from the 5' draw down,really has not been too bad.but slower on the large consistent numbers.conway will come back,you guys that are just getting familiar with it will be glad later. lots of luck everyone