Double edged sword
With all the rain we've had the lakes in AZ have come way up. There's a lot more rain to come and a lot of snow in the high country to melt this spring. All the new water brings well needed nutrients and new cover for the fish to hide and spawn in. This should also spark off an incredible shad spawn this summer.
But it also brings in tons of debris which make fishing and navigation very tough. It also shocks the fish a bit and slows down there pre-spawn activity. Plus with the snow melt, the water temps will stay low and many not get warm enough fast enough for a good spawn.
I don’t mean to be negative; I’m usually the biggest cheerleader for crappie fishing going into the spring. But I have to be honest and this year has shades of 2005 all over it.
Bill Eveland
Arizona Crappie Association