Thread: Fall Crappie Tactics

Fall has always been a season I would like to fish more, cooler temps, less traffic etc. I always have a hard time getting away in the fall, I've heard it's good time to get out there. Been doing some reading on the internet about Fall pattern etc. but would like to hear other chime in on this as well. I think I started a thread like this last year! What I've read over and over on the internet is that at some point in the fall, crappie will return to their old springtime haunts for a time.

During the fall starting late Sept, I usually probe break lines with tandem jigs, from 14' then progressing onto 18' until I find active feeding fish. I will drop a marker buoy and work a brush pile or a drop off if I get bit while strolling over it. This is done on the main lake along riprap. I plan to start probing shallower than 14', and also head to back of coves this year. Just my limited knowledge.

Lot of shad fry in the water this time of year and that's what they key on around here. They wait around for feeding time and then try to ambush them. Shad fry will try to escape using weed beds,rock, anything to help them evade being eaten. Look for the bait fish schools around main lake and secondary points and creek channel bends. The fish should be close.

Later when the water cools back to brush piles and standing timber and deeper ledges. Two cents worth.

I fished Saturday 9 19 2015 at El Dorado Lake and caught 1 dink out in the trees 18 ft deep and jig was around 8 ft - and caught 5 nice fat crappie and 2 dinks at the boat dock using jigs. Went to Harvey County East Sunday and caught a fat black crappie by the dam on a jig/bobber and an 11" fat white crappie out in the trees 6 ft deep on a jig, that was it on crappie and then did some cat fishing and caught 5 1 and 2 lb channel cat. Fish every chance you get and try different lakes and jigs have lotsa patience and have fun and you will catch crappie.

Originally Posted by Xpress56

During the fall starting late Sept, I usually probe break lines with tandem jigs, from 14' then progressing onto 18' until I find active feeding fish. I will drop a marker buoy and work a brush pile or a drop off if I get bit while strolling over it. This is done on the main lake along riprap. I plan to start probing shallower than 14', and also head to back of coves this year. Just my limited knowledge.

Hmmmmmmmm?
Dont take that wrong xp56. Those that know me will know thats a compliment to you!

I think fall fishing is the most overlooked time of year for many species but especially Crappie. When the water starts to cool fishing can be just as good as spawn fishing and often in the shallows like spawn. Try areas using the same techniques you used in late April and early May to ensure thy aren't shallow before probing main lake waters.

Any type of water temp range you're looking for when targeting them shallow skinner?

Nope but the last several years the middle of Sept has been a normal time period on bigger water and smaller. Haven't had much time lately to try this fall yet.