Spring Fishing For Crappie

Crappie is a popular game fish among anglers and is particularly abundant in North America. In the spring, crappie fishing can be quite rewarding if you know where to look and what lures and techniques to use. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to fish for crappie in the spring, where to find them in the lake, and what soft plastic lures and techniques to use to catch them.

Where to Find Crappie in the Spring

Crappie is known to be a schooling fish that moves in large groups during the spring in search of food and spawning grounds. In the early spring, they tend to move to shallow waters, particularly in areas with vegetation or submerged structures such as fallen trees or brush piles. As the water warms up, they move to deeper waters, but still stay close to structures and cover.

When looking for crappie in the spring, it is best to focus on areas with a mix of shallow and deep water, particularly near submerged structures. Look for areas with brush piles, weed beds, stumps, fallen trees, or other types of cover that crappie can use for shelter and feeding.

In addition, crappie tend to move to areas with warmer water, particularly if the water temperature is still cool. Look for areas with sunlight exposure, or areas with a natural warm water flow such as inlets, outlets, or spring runs.

Soft Plastic Lures and Techniques for Spring Crappie Fishing

One of the most effective lures for crappie fishing in the spring is the soft plastic bait. Soft plastics can be presented in a variety of ways, including vertically, horizontally, or on a jig head. Here are some of the most effective soft plastic lures and techniques for spring crappie fishing.

1. Grubs: Grubs are a versatile soft plastic lure that can be fished on a jig head or tipped with a minnow. Use a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses to mimic the natural movement of small prey.

2. Tubes: Tubes are a popular soft plastic lure for crappie fishing, especially when fishing around cover. Thread the tube onto a jig head, and fish it with a slow, twitchy retrieve to mimic the movement of a fleeing prey.

3. Minnow imitations: Soft plastic lures that mimic minnows are particularly effective for crappie fishing in the spring. Fish them with a slow, steady retrieve or a jigging motion, depending on the conditions.

4. Swimbaits: Swimbaits are a versatile lure that can be fished in a variety of ways, including horizontally, vertically, or on a jig head. Fish them with a slow, steady retrieve or a jigging motion to mimic the natural movement of small baitfish.

When fishing with soft plastic lures, it is important to use a light tackle setup, such as a 6- to 8-pound test line, and a sensitive rod with a fast action tip. This will allow you to detect even the lightest bites, which are common when fishing for crappie.

In addition, it is important to vary your presentation, including the speed of retrieve, depth, and location. Crappie can be quite picky and may prefer a specific type of lure or presentation. Be patient and experiment with different techniques until you find what works best.

Fishing for crappie in the spring can be quite rewarding if you know where to look and what lures and techniques to use. Look for crappie in areas with a mix of shallow and deep water, particularly near submerged structures such as brush piles, weed beds, stumps, or fallen trees. Use soft plastic lures, including grubs, tubes, minnow imitations