So I just read where a gentleman on another forum felt that the crappie are getting ready and in some cases started moving into their spawning grounds. He also felt that in as little as 30 days some lakes would be in full swing. Now I know we have a lot of experience here on this forum with avid fisherman and several guides so just wondering what everyone's take is on this. All I know is I stepped outside this morning and I didn't get an overwhelming feeling that the lake is getting ready to warm up anytime real soon. I appreciate any and all input, after all I'm always learning something new about these ever allusive tasty creatures

It all depends on weather and where you live. The further south the quicker they will be spawning. Usually in dfw, Some fish are spawning in mid to late feb. full swing is April. It’s not out of the question that some fish will be spawning down South in the next few weeks if we get warm weather.

As a general rule, I begin chasing spawning crappie in February. During cold years, the action is slow, however. I usually begin fishing small shallow lakes first, as they tend to be the first to warm up. April is good in the metro mess area, and may is good up Okie way. Have t crappie fished much farther north than that, so I won’t speculate.

In the past I mean found the spawn is keyed on water temp and moon phase. For crappie the magic number is 58 degrees. My lake RC is currently 52 degrees. Late February is a good guess but by the March full moon for sure.

ranger18, anything can be debated. All I can say is this, there are plenty of lakes around where crappie are being caught shallow right now and migrating into some creeks. I would not be shy about probing shallower water near creeks where they usually spawn. Two weeks ago, I caught some in 10 FOW, following a hunch based on the temp of the lake I was on! Hope this helps a little. The crappies I have been catching the last couple of weeks had eggs that are very developed also, which is a key indicator for me.
Tight Lines!

A little birdie told me an East TEXAS Lake they have been limiting on corks and minnows in 4 Foot of water.

If this mild winter keeps up I could see mid February catching some shallow.

No doubt it's been an unusual year.

Everyone gets cabin fever this time of year. It’s a solid 2, maybe 3 months away from any fish up shallow that are worth chasing. Water temp really has to get steadily into the 60s and stay there before it’s worth it.

If you are waiting till March or April to fish shallow, then you are missing half of the spawn.

Yeah by that time you have missed a lot of them. I am on Lake Palestine so only 1.5 hours South East of you and I know one guy in particular that will start wading here in a week or two. Does it every year and even is confident enough that it is a guided trip. Got pics with him holding stringers of fish. They will be here in the next couple of weeks (starting) if not already. I am already seeing them move here from the deep end of the lake to the shallower portions. Won't be long.