There is absolutely no doubt… fishing for Winter Crappie can be a challenge: The Cold Temps and dramatic changes in weather patterns are on one end of the spectrum – and yet on the other end of the spectrum, changes in fish behavior and patterns offer a competing counterbalance. However, despite the challenges brought on by the cold season – if you consider just a few areas – the cold and unpredictable season can turn into a great opportunity.
If your encounter a panfish angler on the chase during the winter months, they’d likely smirk appreciatively at being referred to as die-hard… but they’d also, very likely, tell you that winter is the best time of year to catch crappie. In this article I’ll share a few things you need to know to get started.
Where to Find Crappie in the Winter?
Standing Timber and Brush
Very often crappie will suspend 1-10ft above deeply submerged brush or hold up in the branches and forks of standing trees and timber. I’ll typically use a slow-falling single jig or Jig combo (1/32oz). I like casting beyond the brush and letting the lure(s) settle back into position just over top where the fish are holding or just over top or along side deep trees.
Channel Breaks
Open Water
I target deeper basins adjacent to channels or deep flats just out from covered areas like coves of standing timber. Using side-scan imaging, I scan for schools of bait fish and when I find them – Crappies usually are far off… typically relating to transitioning slopes of ledges or breaks leading to the basin flat.
It’s also quite common to find fish along the soft-mud bottom feeding on crustation larvae. Be persistent in your search. Unstable weather can make the search challenging – but if your hang in there – using your electronics to cover the water column thoroughly… you’ll run into them at some point!
What Do Crappie Eat in the Winter?
Crappie’s diet and feeding habits change during the cold winter months due to their slower metabolism. While they still need to feed, they become more sluggish and therefore – more selective.
All the same – they’ll move to areas that provide food. If you see fish hugging the bottom of mud flats – insect larvae or imitations may be worth a shot. Or maybe the fish are suspended – in which case a shad imitation plastic or live bait may do the trick!
Be patient – It may take a while to figure out what mood the fish are in. But keep at it.
Consider experimenting and adjusting bait presentations and profiles for finicky, cold water crappie. Sooner or later to bite!
Best Artificial Lures for Crappie During the Winter:
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Plastics:
A favorite of mine for winter slab fishing. I typically combine it with a 1/24 or 1/16 ounce Jig-head and 6-pound-test line for best results.
Color choices include:
- Clear water: Live Minnow, Monkey Milk, Pear white, White(bucktail)
- Stained water: Ghost Pattern, Ghastly minnow, Blue Ice, Vegas Minnow
