Elusive crappie

oldfox · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009, 09:37 AM

I'm having a difficult time finding crappie in this pond... http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/lak.../sand_pond.pdf

They can be found in the shallows in the spring, but by the time the ice is here, I can't seem to locate them. Any ideas would be appreciated..

Thanks in advance..

hnd · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009, 02:38 PM

look for structure near those deep areas. especially if there are any points in the area.

ready2fish · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009, 03:14 PM

wow that lake has some deep holes. I always wondered how a person reads a map and generally find fish, if i had to say were to start i would say in the area were its 30ft deep. Its some what off a point and not far from a river inlet or outlet.

I hope some one with more experience jumps in and explain were and why, i also would like to learn

P-row · #4 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009, 06:34 PM

Oldfox.....I would look for crappie near weeds or any other structure in 10 or more foot of water. They could easily be shallower depending on if its early ice or not. Of course, a vexilar would really help you locate fish and any structure. Finding them will take some effort, but I'm sure you will be rewarded for that effort! Good luck!

crappiekeith · #5 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009, 06:55 PM

They do not even mention crappies in the repot.
Try just off of that island in 30 fow.

oldfox · #6 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 05:43 AM

Thanks for the replies guys...I have looked in all those place you have suggested with little luck. I do have a Marcum, but it seems to be of little use locating them.

The report does not show crappie on it because the last report was revised in 1994, but trust me, they are in there!

They are considered an invasive species here in Maine.

This is part of a chain of lakes...could it be possibe that they move to a different lake during the winter?

I will check again around the island Keith...

crappiekeith · #7 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 07:35 AM

I doubt it,maybe to spawn.

oldfox · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 04:20 AM

This is an aerial shot of the lakes I referred to. Any ideas where they might go in their migration route from this view? The pond I generally have the best luck in is the center one...the pond above this one, with the islands, is the one in the original post..

crappiekeith · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009, 10:39 PM

I'd look to the lower right hole for spawning.
There's a ton of water to work.Hit the north and west sides as they warm up faster.

oldfox · #10 (**permalink**) 02-13-2009, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crappiekeith

I'd look to the lower right hole for spawning.
There's a ton of water to work.Hit the north and west sides as they warm up faster.

Thanks Keith...the lower pond is the end of the chain, with a max depth of 30'. The depth of the stream that connects the center pond (max depth 28') to it, varies in depth from 3' to 16'. Would they spawn in the stream itself?