OPENING CAST APRIL 2026
The Dogwood Signal
Every crappie angler in the South knows there’s a moment each spring when something special happens. It doesn’t show up on a calendar, and it’s not announced by a weather forecast. Instead, it arrives quietly in woodlands and along country roads when the dogwood trees burst into bloom.
That’s when we know.
For generations, anglers across the South have shared the same bit of wisdom: When the dogwoods bloom, the best crappie fishing of the year is about to begin. [READ MORE]
Crappie Fishing on the Fly
Kim Burnett uses his flies he ties to catch big spring crappie. Crappie Fishing on the Fly by Brent Frazee Photos courtesy of Kim Burnett Tiny bait, big fish. That’s Kim Burnett’s philosophy on catching bragging-sized crappie and bluegills in the spring. Once the water temperatures creep into the 50s, you’ll see him […]
Downsize For Postspawn Crappie
Tournament angler Steve Brown keeping an eye on his electronics. The response of postspawn crappie can quickly become evident when using LiveScope. (photo by Richard Hines) Downsize For Postspawn Crappie By Richard Hines One of my longtime fishing buddies, Joe McDonald, used to say, “When the bite is slow, downsize the bait and upsize […]
Battling High Water
Several years ago, on a trip to Truman Lake in Missouri, high water had scattered crappie. Crappie found protection and food in thick, flooded, green vegetation. Seen here are crappie pros Travis and Charles Bunting probing the thick limbs of willow trees and surrounding submerged brush. Battling High Water Story and photos by Tim […]
Championship Crappie: A Super Bowl Sunday Record Catch
Standing by the ice at Lake of Three Fires, Micaiah Thompson displays his 3.95-pound record-setting black crappie. (photo by Micaiah Thompson) Championship Crappie: A Super Bowl Sunday Record Catch By Keith Sutton While millions of fans were glued to the television watching the Super Bowl, one Iowa angler chose a different kind of […]
Crappie Basics: Sight Fishing for Spring Slabs
Crappie have excellent camouflage, making them difficult to see even when in clear water. But astute anglers can learn to spy these calico panfish on their shallow spawning beds and catch them by sight fishing. Crappie Basics: Sight Fishing for Spring Slabs Photos and Story by Keith Sutton Many anglers rely on sight fishing […]
Paddlin’ with Madalyn: Setup for Successful Springtime Slab-Hunting
Paddlin’ with Madalyn: Setup for Successful Springtime Slab-Hunting Story and photo by Madalyn Roberts If you’re a fisherman finding yourself on the fence about that kayak purchase, take this as your sign. For several years now, I’ve truly enjoyed every minute of crappie fishing out of my Nucanoe in all seasons, but most especially the […]
4-pound Tennessee River Crappie Stuns Veteran Anglers
Anthony Mondo is a hardcore bass fisherman. He was actually fishing a bass tournament when he caught this huge black crappie on Chickamauga Lake. The fish was only one 1/100th of an ounce shy of four pounds on certified scales. (Photo courtesy of Anthony Mondo) 4-pound Tennessee River Crappie Stuns Veteran Anglers by Capt. […]