OPENING CAST FEB 2026
The February 2026 issue of CrappieNOW marks a milestone on several levels. It is my first issue serving as editor of this publication, and it also happens to be CrappieNOW’s 15th anniversary issue—Number 180. Both are humbling distinctions, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important moment in the magazine’s history.
Before looking ahead, it’s important to pause and say thank you to a man who has helped shape CrappieNOW into what it is today. Richard Simms is retiring after nearly seven years at the editing helm, and anyone who has followed this publication during that time knows how much of his passion, knowledge and personality he poured into every issue. Richard’s January editorial said it well—he was part of a conduit fueled by outstanding outdoor journalists—but his steady hand, editorial judgment and deep love for crappie fishing set the tone.
Year-round Crappie Challenge on Georgia’s Lake Oconee By Anietra Hamper
Capt. Doug Nelms displays two of the slab crappie that are caught in large numbers on Lake Oconee. (Photo by Anietra Hamper) Year-round Crappie Challenge on Georgia’s Lake Oconee By Anietra Hamper In the heart of the Reynolds Lake Oconee community in central Georgia, located between Augusta and Atlanta, sits some of the best […]
Finding and Fishing Prespawn Travel Routes Story and photos by Keith Sutton
Prespawn travel routes often produce some of the heaviest slabs of the season as big females move toward the bedding grounds. Finding and Fishing Prespawn Travel Routes Story and photos by Keith Sutton Every spring, as the lengthening days begin nudging water temperatures upward, crappie shift into a pattern that savvy anglers anticipate all […]
Lake Hartwell: An Overlooked Crappie Destination Story and photos by Terry Madewell
Capt. Rodney Donald relies on FFS to find big schools of crappie quickly on Lake Hartwell, an overlooked crappie-fishing treasure. Lake Hartwell: An Overlooked Crappie Destination Story and photos by Terry Madewell Lake Hartwell, a deep, clear lake in the upstate portion of South Carolina, has earned a reputation as a premier striped bass [...]
Prespawn to Post-Spawn Transitions Story and photos by Tim Huffman
The grin tells the story. Spring is the perfect time to get the family out to enjoy time on the water. Khloe Moe displays an Alabama crappie. Prespawn to Post-Spawn Transitions Story and photos by Tim Huffman Fun awaits fishermen who solve the puzzle of finding crappie from before the spawn to after. The […]
Anglers Needed for Florida Crappie Project Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
You catch ’em. Science studies ’em. Anglers are needed for Florida’s black crappie project at Tenoroc. Anglers Needed for Florida Crappie Project Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is inviting local anglers to take part in a new community science project designed to improve black [...]
Crappie Basics: What Crappie Is That? Story and photo by Keith Sutton
That unmistakable stripe is the calling card of a blacknose crappie. Crappie Basics: What Crappie Is That? Story and photo by Keith Sutton In many waters, anglers catch crappie that have a dark brown or black stripe running under the chin, over the nose and across part of the back. These beautifully marked fish, […]
The Great Outdoors, by Larry Whiteley
The Great Outdoors: Old and Cold By Larry Whiteley February has always been cold where I live in Missouri. I have lived there all my life. But, to me, it seems the older I get, the colder I get. That is a problem when you love crappie fishing as much as I do. When I [...]
Lure of the Month: Herb Thompson’s Fishing Lures Green Crappie Jig, Story and photos by Terry Madewell
Lure of the Month: Herb Thompson’s Fishing Lures Green Crappie Jig Story and photos by Terry Madewell Herb Thompson enjoys creating tiny treasures by hand and loves catching crappie. Combining those traits on his personal quest to become a complete crappie fisherman, Thompson’s learning curve to catch more slabs paired well when he began making […]
Paddlin’ with Madalyn: Artificial vs. Live Bait & Storage Options on a Kayak Story and photos by Madalyn Roberts
Paddlin’ with Madalyn: Artificial vs. Live Bait & Storage Options on a Kayak Story and photos by Madalyn Roberts The YakAttack BlackPak Pro and ShortStak combo is the ultimate win when it comes to kayak storage. I store four large tackle boxes, rain gear, first aid kit, anchors, etc. in the Pak, while the ShortStak [...]
CN How To Feb 2026 Crappie Dan’s Playbook, Fishing in Cold Winter Months
In cold winter water, crappie move deep and bunch up around structure like creek channels, brush piles, and timber, often suspending rather than hugging bottom. They bite slowly, so vertical jigging or slip-bobber setups with small jigs or minnows worked very slowly are most effective. Focus on midday fishing during stable weather, watch for subtle [...]