Opening Cast – Nov 2026

Opening Cast: Fall Crappie Fever: Find ’Em and Catch ’Em!

The fall crappie bite is on!!! So, where will they be, and how do we fish for them?

To catch early-fall crappie as the water temperatures drop into the lower seventies and sixties, you must be flexible and watchful of weather conditions. On days when high pressure dominates, early mornings and late afternoons are best. Bluebird skies with lots of sunshine will concentrate the fish where they can hide their eyes from the sun but near food such as shad or minnows.

The techniques that work best on these days also go by the time of the day. In early morning, the crappie will be roaming in and around schools of baitfish. Casting to these bait schools or through the schools can be a great way to catch these panfish feeding up for the winter. As the day progresses, fish brushpiles in 10 to 14 feet of water or around docks and bridges. Deep laydowns can also produce fish any time of the day. The key is food nearby!

Middle of the day bites in high sun tend to lean toward vertical jigging or deeper water fishing. Match your lure size to the baitfish size in the lake or river at this time. If using live minnows, match the size of those to the baitfish in that waterway as well.

I trend toward small presentations during this time frame. The water is usually clearer at this time, so use lighter lines and more transparent bait presentations.

I will also pull Offshore Planer Boards this time of year as many fish in the mornings and on overcast days will be on flats under schools of baitfish. This is a great time for pulling jigs and crankbaits.

So, don’t just sit and watch football. Go out and have some fun catching some slabs for the frying pan! It’s time!

Good luck and good fishing,

Dan Dannenmueller – PUBLISHER