information please on summer and winter patterns of crappie

[gone_fishing]

I have read many writings on summer and winter patterns and the migration routes. I live in Indiana so I suppose anything that works in the midwest would work in my area.

I have really little experience crappie fishing at either of these times.
I know in the summer lights at night are a good choice but fishing at night really doesn't appeal to me since I am a morning person.

What is considered deep? In a reservoir I fish it is 50 feet in spots this year. I know there is a thermocline as well to consider. I am thinking islands in the main lake area would be a good spot to start and also rocky ledges. Does anyone have any ideas or tips? Also is winter and summer haunts the same areas?

I am not equiped to troll crankbaits so jigs or minnows would have to be the ticket amd I prefer to do the jigs hard to keep minnows alive in the heat winter hands are always wet.

[Cane Pole]

Don't rule out minnows in the heat of summer. Best producer overall.

If you were closer I would say:

[Darryl Morris]

There's a few articles here that you might find interesting that address seasonal patterns/behaviors of crappie - Family Fishing Trips

[vhouston2]

In summer crappie have moved away from their shallow spawning areas to suspend over flats, ledges, etc, close to deeper water. Here in Mississippi that means they will scatter in loose schools suspended about 1o-15ft. deep over 18-30ft. of water. The best way to catch the big crappie at this time is long line (troll ) crankbaits. You can cover alot of water like this. Watch your graph for those loose suspended schools and use a GPS to monitor trolling speed.....somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 mph. In winter....well, good luck. Fish are still in deep water near structure and if you can stand the cold; fish can be caught with vertical presentations next to this stucture.

[gone_fishing]

Thanks all I appreciate the help