Tips for catching crappie in 87 degree water....

[Jamesdean]

If using plastic bodied jigs, I found if I place them in a plastic bag like a zip-lock baggie and squirt slab sauce, (don't need a lot), in the bag with them it seems to stay longer as it impregnates the plastic of the lure body...

[P-row]

James....great idea! Will try it, thanks!

[ClearCreek]

Remember .... that's surface temp !! If the lake has a thermocline, then the water will be cooler at that depth. I'd look for deep wood cover that rises above the thermocline level. Otherwise, I'd be looking on deep flats & channels for a concentration of Shad in the area. The fish's metabolism will be high, though they may also be lethargic from the high water temps ... but, they'll still have to eat, so they shouldn't be all that far from any concentration of baitfish in an area. You'll likely be trying for a reaction bite in the open water scenario, but may have to "soak" your bait around the deep wood cover.

Early in the AM I'd concentrate my efforts along any bank that has shade over the water from daylight til almost midday (if that bank has downed trees &/or brushpiles in the shaded water). Once that shade is gone over the submerged cover, the fish will likely move out into open water. That's been my experience, anyway.

Other than that ... I'd look for a lake in the area that is not closed at night.

Advice to heed!!


Here is a good article that describes the conditions of a thermally stratified lake that CrappiePappy described:

http://epa.state.il.us/water/conserv...tification.pdf


Tight lines,

ClearCreek

[P-row]

Ok....a lil update. The bite is still slow, but water temps have come down. Was out Tuesday with 78 deg. surface temp. Better bite but not great. Best method was casting jigs with plastic reeled slowly over brush piles and cribs. Have also bought new boat with a Helix 7 so still getting that dialed in. Will say it will help tremendously. Can now see crappies suspended over open water an cribs. Will post more after next trip.

[Blackjeepjk]

Nice looking ride! It's that time of year, weather is about to change and get some cooler water.