I’m no biologist, but my theory is sometimes they do in fact spawn in deeper water than we think. They stage in certain spots waiting on a big rise in water levels. If that doesn’t happen they spawn on whatever cover is available . Black crappie are known to have a early, shorter spawn than white crappie.
If water temps stay in the 60s the black crappie will usually be finishing up mid March on TB and whites should be moving shallow to take over.
This time of year it can be more like hunting than fishing. They usually bite good when you find them, but finding them can be the challenge.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com