Originally Posted by
OkieDon
I was going to post this as a reply to DHO in the Midwest Crappie Show Reelfoot thread, but thought I start a new one instead.
I have a question for DHO, EB or anyone else who would like to throw their 2 cents in...
My question is, at what temp do you see the slabs start moving into the shallow water in numbers?
It seemed to me like Todd was saying that the Moon phase had more to do with it than temps (the actual spawn), but it has been my experience (which is very limited btw) that when the water temps start reaching 55 or so, then you'll start finding some Crappie in the shallows (meaning 2 foot or less).
I haven't seen shad in the shallows in the last two days and I've had water temps in the 44 to 48 degree range. I caught and kept 6 of those green Carp thingies at Ft. Gibson yesterday fishing boat docks in 6 to 8 fow and none had shad in their stomachs. They had a few minnows and crawdads.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on water temps and at what temp they'll start heading shallow (crappie or shad).
Don
todd is right about the moon phase, butt water temps play a major roll also. you will have your older fish spawn first. then you will have another spawn when the second moon build's up. 5 days or so before the full moon will be the best. water temps are around 64 the first wave, then 68-72 the second wave. remeber clear water go deep, dirty water go shallow.
http://oklahomafishingguides.com/Lake-Eufaula/Dusty-Keener/index.html