Thread: Crappie populations are "cyclical" true or false?

Not sure where to post this, but I figure that structure creation may be a critical factor here so I posted here.

I've heard many times that Crappie populations are cyclical, yet it seems that most Crappie hot spots remain strong year after year. I'd like to hear what you have to say.

My guess is that structure plays a key role in having areas of refuge in which to spawn which should affect populations, but are there other key factors?

according to a missouri biologist this is true

all fish populations are cyclical based solely off the ecosystem

good ecosystem population boom, bad ecosystem population dieback

obviously, due to evolution, crappie will always hold to their natural habitat......cause if they dont they die

I agree. Populations are definitely cyclical in my experience, but a good spot will always hold some fish.

Sry I guess I am having a brain fart, what is the english version or the redneck one if that is the english one translation for cyclical? THanks

The population varies year by year depending on spawning conditions, etc. Bottom line is that some years you catch a lot of big crappie, some years they're little, and some years you don't catch many at all.

I fish mainly oxbow lakes in the river bottoms, and it is amazing how the fish and fishing vary year by year.

yes crappie populations are cyclical...depending mainly on spawning conditions...water level, flooding, cold fronts, etc. ...and good spots are good from one year to the next because they are preferred crappie haunts....even bad years there still are crappie that want to hang out in those places

I agree that crappie populations are cyclical. While some spots will continue to produce crappie year after year, some years you will see a big difference in the size of the crappie caught.