I have heard a few things and seen a few things recently that may be an indication that the crappie on several water bodies may have already moved on in some cases towards the winter hang outs . I know of at least 4 different water bodies from east of dfw to west of dfw that the crappie have migrated and or are migrating off the fall pattern and into a winter / migratory pattern . I thought the forum members might want to share some insight and information to help those that may not be able to find the fish right now . the river fish have vacated the area I hang around in the last 2 visits and typically do this about late October or early November . I don't know for sure where they go in the river but when they depart they are gone from that area until after the spawn in the spring . my most recent forays in other spots have been showing signs of the same type of movement . spots that were very productive a week or 2 ago have become void of crappie and in some cases the fish went very shallow .
I am sure some water bodies are still in the fall pattern to some degree but am pretty sure this will be short lived in those locations as well , I do know the water felt rather chilly the other day and I didn't look at my temperature reading , but to be sure it has dropped rather rapidly .we also have some colder weather coming in the next week and that should trigger even more movement as well . those of you that have spent decades on locating crappie year round might want to share your thoughts on the current patterns .

I don't think so. I think several more cold fronts will really get em active and the winter patterns will set in. Just my two cents!




Side Note: Starting to find fish on several winter time spots!

If going to a NEW Lake, I will start with the bridges, if they have any, then creek channels no shallower than 15 - 20 feet, or brush on deep points. On a lake that I am familiar with, almost the same thing,

Yes I think that on some lakes they are going into winter pattern. They are migrating out of shallow to deeper areas. If you can find that route you can stay with them all winter.

Surface temp on Fork right now is 68 - 70 on main lake areas, this includes bridges. They are on the MOVE , even with the lake turning, they are still biting

I've been fishing Cedar Creek over the last month,and noticed a drastic change in water temperature yesterday.The temperature fell at least a couple of degrees in the last week.Crappie are still holding around 20 fow, and the bite is still strong.

They are on the move on lake X... look for schools of bait fish "shad" and the crappie wont be far!

And where exactly did you say this LakeX is located?

I went Lake Leon last Sunday evening and found some nice keepers in 5-7 fow, this same spot a month ago was only producing under sized crappie. Will be Heading back to try my luck in the morning, to darn hot to get all dressed in camo and sit in a deer blind for me.

Very good topic!
I've noticed that the crappy fish down here are movin also but on tha contrary to what lotsa folks think bout them crappy goin to deepa waters when it get cold our crappy here head to tha rivers & creeks which for tha most part are shallower than the main lake where I've been wacking'em....
They haven't made it all the way rivers yet but headin that way....

I hope not. With the creeks as low as they are around here right now, I have no idea where I'll fish this winter.

Winter fishing means water temps in the 50's or lower. This is still fall fishing and that means scattered. You can find them in 20 feet one day and 4 feet the next. They are all over the place. When water temps get to 55 and below, they'll go deep or up in the creeks. Just keep on moving and fish a bunch of water depths till you find them.

Over the next month or so I mainly plan on pulling crank baits and covering a lot of water and depths maybe pushing jigs tipped with minnows ,since they are usually always on the move this time of year.

You looking for some help Ketchn?

Its not too far from Lake Ketchn........

As the crow flies, just follow the turtle!!!

I'm catching crappie right now in 8'-10' of water on humps & ridges near 14' of water (creek channels).

In the afternoon when the shad get active on top, the crappie are moving up onto 8' ridges to feed on them.

But the crappie are roaming just like the schooling bass this time of year, feeding up before the cold weather set in. Just have to hook for cover in the right depth until you find them.