Likes Likes:  0
Thanks Thanks:  0
HaHa HaHa:  0
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Have fished crappie for quite a while, but never thought about this...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    SouthEast Illinois
    Posts
    586
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default Have fished crappie for quite a while, but never thought about this...


    I caught a nice 14 1/8" crappie today DEEP, and when I cut it up, noticed she had eggs. My question...when do crappie start forming eggs? Don't they only spawn once yearly?

    Don't want to sound stupid with that question, but just wondering...

    Mrwillis

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    3,426
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    in our area the eggs start forming in the fall
    God Demonstrated his love for us. Romans 5:8

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Louisiana
    Posts
    369
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Spawn once a year when water temp gets about 60. Eggs are there in the fall, but right now in the south the sacks are huge and veiny, and they will spawn any day. Then the fun really begins

  4. #4
    CrappiePappy's Avatar
    CrappiePappy is online now Super Moderator - 2013 Man Of The Year * Crappie.com Supporter
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Lexington, KY
    Posts
    23,503
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mrwillis View Post
    I caught a nice 14 1/8" crappie today DEEP, and when I cut it up, noticed she had eggs. My question...when do crappie start forming eggs? Don't they only spawn once yearly?

    Don't want to sound stupid with that question, but just wondering...

    Mrwillis
    Crappie will start producing eggs during the late Summer/early Fall, around here. And, yes ... Crappie only spawn once a year, but many people see the developing egg sac in the females during the Fall & think they're spawning in the Fall

    This is what I've always thought is the yearly progression of a fish's growth:

    SUMMER = moderate to heavy feeding for growth in size/length (highest growth rate in length & weight)

    FALL = heavy feeding period to sustain them thru cold conditions/low metabolism periods or sparse feeding opportunities (low length growth & additon to fat stores) Egg development begins.

    WINTER = slow metabolic rate & feeding to sustain health (no growth, fat stores used in times of sparse, or lack of, feeding opportunities) Egg development slows - but continues.

    SPRING = heavy feeding resumes to sustain fish thru spawning rigors (growth rate in length is slow, but weight gain increases, & fat stores are replenished to sustain fish thru spawning activities) Egg development increases as feeding opportunities increase & water temps increase.

    And, as far as the fish are concerned - the seasons are water temp related, more so than air temp or calendar date related. They are cold blooded critters, after all.

    ... cp

  5. #5
    "G"'s Avatar
    "G" is offline Super Duper Moderator - 2012 Crappie.Com Man of the year & 2018 Crappie.com Decade of Exceptional Service Awards * Crappie.com Supporter * Member Sponsor
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Belden, MS
    Posts
    95,225
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    The longer length of sunlight during longer day light hours also triggers the pituitary gland and this with warming water temps triggers the spawn
    I have spent most my life fishing........the rest I wasted.
    PROUD MEMBER OF TEAM GEEZER
    PICO Lures Field Rep

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Mount Pleasant, NC
    Posts
    209
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    There is usually always an "egg sack" but it grows and shrinks based on the seasons.

  7. #7
    M R Dux's Avatar
    M R Dux is offline Crappie.com Legend , 2018 Crappie.com Man of the Year * Crappie.com Supporter * Member Sponsor
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Benton,KY / KY Lake
    Posts
    7,454
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    The ones you have to worry about are those crappie who have full,HARD egg sacks in late summer or fall. Those fish didn't spawn for some reason and those eggs will be reabsorbed. Not a good sign for future fishing on that particular lake.
    www.crappie-gills-n-more.com
    Podunk Ideas Pro Staff /test platform
    PICO Lures Field Rep
    Excel Boats Pro Staff

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

BACK TO TOP