PUBLISHER
Dan Dannenmueller
EDITOR
Richard Simms
SR. WRITER
Tim Huffman
ART/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Matt Mullikin
GUEST WRITERS
Steve McCadams
Keith Lusher
Richard Hines
Larry Whiteley
Terry Madewell
Keith Sutton
Brad Wiegmann
Larry Marek
Copyright © 2024 CrappieNow Online Magazine. A KMS, Inc. Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Cover Photo Credit
Louisiana crappie guide and pro angler Steve Danna likes the versatility of the new Bobby Garland Minnow Mind’R, the “Lure of the Month” from CrappieNOW.
Photo by Terry Madewell
Spring has Sprung!
Spring is my favorite time of year, especially for the crappie fishing. Although some days may not feel like spring, overall nature tells us the warming conditions are bringing all things to life in the great outdoors. In many of my seminars and shows, many ask for the best indicators, timing, structures and locations to catch those monsters this time of year.
Some of my best crappie fishing indicators for the timing of the crappie spawn are as follows:
- Dogwood trees begin to bloom. These normally come after the redbud trees have bloomed.
- First full moon when the water temperatures reach the upper 50s to low 60s.
- Largest fish normally spawn on the first full moon.
- Spawns can continue on each full moon past the first one.
Black and white crappies have their own preferences as to bottom structures and habitat. Black crappie usually like rock or pea gravel. If these are not present, hard clay bottoms or grass. White crappie normally like wood and a hard bottom mix.
In recent years, due to variable weather swings, more persistent winds, high and low water conditions, I am finding spawners on deeper ledges in protected creeks and coves. I think this is a survival change to the habits of the crappie. So don’t rule out 8-10ft ledges near shallower spawning grounds if you can’t catch them shallow.
I hope all of these tips will help you cash in on some great crappie this spring. Catching some for the frying pan is always a treat.
God bless and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!
Dan Dannenmueller – PUBLISHER
