If you are referring to my statement about the late winter being the cause of the late spawn,It was just an opinion not a fact. If you are not, disregard all of this

Its Bush's Fault, sorry to make this thread political but it my best guess

I've only found crappie shallow once this Spring. Everything else has been deeper. Most seem to put emphasis on the time of year for the spawn, but water temp closely coupled with length of day/night has a lot to do with it too. This year our lakes were lower than normal, then we got the rain making for a rapid rise in the water. The water fluctuation has a very detrimental effect on the fish, be it high or low. But here is my on why most are not finding them up shallow....they're spawning deeper this year, and that's because the lake levels are fluctuating so. All crappie need to spawn is a hard surface with the right amount of light and temp. Go deeper........

I'm going deeper, except at the slips!

What Guy said. Water temps are now warm enough for fish to spawn 5-8 ft.

A friend of mine said he thinks they are spawning at the same areas as last year...so deeper in most lakes. He said the new water and cover in shallow areas has decaying plant matter in it and the fish don't like it. So back to were they did the wild thing last year. Seems to make sense. I will see early tomorrow if I can prove the theory.

Hey Ken,

I got blanked today on Lake Weatherford. The water temp was 67-68 degrees. I fished 2-4 FOW and some deep stuff 11-15 FOW. Driving home, I was wondering "Are the fish spawning and are not interested or are they in 5-11 FOW?" If they''re in 5-11 FOW, how would you fish for them?

I fished for them at Fork Thur and Fri just like I do when they're 2-3 ft. 1/8 oz jig, let it down slow till it hits bottom, pick it up about 6" and hold it still. Hold it still for 15-20 seconds or longer; then a ever so slight twitch down on the rod tip. If nothing, slowly lead the jig around without changing depth. Keep the rod tip still; no up down movement. Sometimes you need to hold that jig in one spot for a minute without moving it. I had one female swat the jig this weekend and I missed cause I think she just hit the jig with her nose. I put it back for about 10 seconds then pulled it out of the area. Fished another twig for a minute, then put the jig back in that spot and held it still. About 45 seconds later she couldn't stand it and sucked it in. Don't know if they decide to eat it or kill it, but they definitely will get it sometimes. Later in the mornings I usually slow way down with the presentation.

Thanks Ken,

Next time out I'll give that a try.


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Ken - good advice, which I have been following on other waters for a while and most of the time it works for me!

Temps and alot of new water.