Summer Time Crappies

Directly following the spawn, crappie behavior becomes a bit of a mystery, and honestly, with the walleye bite usually firing on all cylinders this time of year, I rarely turn my full attention to them until later in the season. During this transition, fish become highly scattered as they recover from the stress of spawning. They typically slide out from the shallows to the first major break lines, setting up on early season weed growth in roughly 7 to 10 feet of water. Their primary focus during this recovery phase is putting weight back on, which means they are constantly on the move chasing small baitfish.

By late June and early July, once water temperatures hit that 70 degree mark, I begin targeting them consistently again. This is the season of the "flash bite," where a school might remain completely dormant during the day only to fire up for a frantic hour or two in the morning or evening. Because of this, it is vital not to rule out an area just because it didn't produce at noon, they may simply be waiting for the low light window to feed. I focus my search on larger weed flats in the 10 to 15-foot depth range, specifically those located close to deep water. I look for areas that usually feature a healthy mix of coontail and tall cabbage stalks that reach up to about 4 or 5 feet below the surface.

Tactically, this is the time of year to ditch the bobbers and prioritize covering ground. I find that a 1/16 oz jig paired with a crappie minnow is the most reliable producer, though mixing in plastics can be very effective when the fish are aggressive. Because these schools are spread across such large areas, staying stationary is rarely the answer. While you can stop and cast once you’ve pinned down a school, I find that continual movement across the flats is the most effective way to keep your bait in front of active fish and maximize your numbers.