Thread: Big Crappie in Shallow Water

As y'all have probably noticed I am pretty green to crappie fishing. So please forgive me for what is probably a very basic question. I see a lot of comments about whether/when the larger crappie have moved shallow. Lately I've been catching most of my crappie in 12-20 feet of water. The bigger fish I've caught were deeper than the smaller ones. Do larger crappie move shallow around this time of year? Is that something this has or should happen soon? I'm confused because I have not had much luck shallow and wondering if I missed the shallow bite or whether it's something I should be looking for. Any insights are appreciated.

Thanks

That's a very good question. Wish I had an answer for you. T9 may be the one who could explain the fall patterns for us. It is confusing where to find the bigger fish this time of year. I know when the water temps are right the crappie chase schools of shad toward the back of coves. Not sure about CATCHING fish in shallow water in those areas. They are usually in the open water. When I fished Geist this past weekend, I caught alot of small fish in the shallows and under docks. Bigger fish were in 8-15ft. So i'm also not sure if the fish are in preshallow pattern or winter pattern already.

Hey Bobo, the fish heading shallow in the fall is all about the body of water you are fishing, the water clearity, temperature, and the weather the day you are there.

If you are fishing the lower end of the lake where the deepest water is don't expect to catch fish shallow there. If you are fishing an impoundment type of lake (feeder creek and dam) the upper end of the lake that is typically the shallowest part of the lake. You would find the fish there shallow.

Weather has a lot to do with it too. On cold, cloudy, windy days, fish are going to be deeper. The best days to catch the fish shallow are warm, sunny days without a lot of wind. Sometimes wind won't hurt if the outdoor air temperature is warmer than the water.


Since the lakes have already turned over, the fish may be in all depths of water since there is oxygen bottom to top of the water column. To catch the fish shallow consistently, it helps if the air temperatures have been warmer than the water temperatures for several days, also sunshine plays a big role in this.

If the lake is a very clear lake, the fish may never come very shallow, but on stained to muddy water, it is not uncommon to find them shallower.

Good luck and I hope this helps some!

Another factor is what type lake you are fishing. Flood control reservoirs were the water is lowered in the winter and filled in the spring are good places to catch shallow fish. Each time the water is lowered the cover gets available that these fish hold on all summer. In the spring as the water rises it warms fast over the rock and dark ground that the sun has beat on. Warmer water will bring the bait fish. Big fish are right on there tails this time of year.

Thanks Crappieking1 and Charlie H. This is very helpful information. Hopefully, I get to put it to use after church today.