For many Crappie fishermen, catching Crappie in the Winter is near impossible. Some falsely believe that Crappie can not be caught at all during the colder months. This just isn't so! Crappie have to feed during the Winter just like they do any other time of year. They're fish, not Bears. They don't hibernate!



Also, once you find the pattern on a given body of water, Winter Crappie will normally hold that same pattern for many days, sometimes weeks. Of course, a storm front may shut them down for a day or so, but generally they'll come right back, hungry as ever!

Day in, day out, Winter Crappie can normally be found hanging around brush in the deeper water of most lakes. This usually includes submerged river and creek channels. Long periods of warm stable weather can cause the Crappie to move shallow. Keep this in mind if the weather has been nice the previous days leading up to your fishing trip.

A good lake or river map showing the bottom details is a must for Winter Crappie fishing. Search for those brushy areas along submerged breaks. Although Crappie normally hold in deep water during the Winter, there are times you can find them shallow. This will usually occur after a few days of warm weather. Crappie are likely to be only a few feet deep over brush or you may find them on the flats relating to structure.

Use the right tackle for Crappie fishing in the Wintertime.

Winter Crappie fishing requires you to downsize your tackle. The same tackle you used back in the Summer and Spring will not be as effective in Winter. Light and Ultralight rods in the 6 to 7 foot range, small minnows or 1/32 ounce jigs and four pound test line are the norm. Crappie become sluggish and finicky in the Winter, and they won't chase bait. In fact, they want the bait right in front of their mouth during most of the Winter.

I like to use a light graphite spinning rod, four pound test line and small tube jigs or minnows to locate deep water Crappie holding in brush. My set up includes a 3/8ths weight tied to the bottom of my line with two drops space about 12 to 18 inches apart above the weight. This way, I'm able to "feel" my way around those deep brush piles.

When looking for Winter Crappie, my other terminal tackle includes small jigs, spinners and minnows. I use 2 to 4 pound test line. If using minnows, I'll use a #6 Tru Turn gold aberdeen hooks. Jigs or ice fishing spoons should be in the 1/32 and 1/64 ounce area. Crappie don't like large baits during the Winter, I'm not sure why but I've always caught more with small baits than with big baits and heavy line.

Don't overdo your jigging during the Winter. Crappie probably won't chase down your offering, so move it very little and make it easy for them. One successful tactic I routinely use is to just do nothing with my jig. Sometimes just holding it motionless is all it takes. If you must move it, move the line ever so slightly with your index finger and keep the rod still.

Visiting the links below will take you to resources about catching Crappie anytime of the year.