Whites or Blacks? Today, few anglers clearly differentiate fishing patterns for black and white crappies. In their records, several states don’t even distinguish between them. In contrast, bass anglers select tackle, lures, and locations according to their preference for largemouth or smallmouth bass living in the same lake. Information exists about the differing diets, habitat and temperature preferences, and movement patterns of these species. Only one study has compared the movement patterns of black and white crappies, done at Kentucky Lake by biologist Ryan Oster. He found major differences in the movements and preferred seasonal habitats of the two species, factors that strongly affect angling locations, methods, and success. The study provides valuable clues when fishing waters with both species. “During the early Prespawn Period,” says Oster, “both species hold along deep creek channels and ledges over 10 feet deep, though some fish start to move onto shallower flats as well. As early as mid-March, both species move to classic prespawn cover in water less than 5 feet deep, though whites consistently remain a bit deeper. “During the spawn, both species occupied shallow brush and vegetation, shallow flats, and rocky banks, but black crappies were consistently shallower than whites. This differential depth preference held through the year. The typical pattern after the spawn is for anglers to leave the shallows and troll offshore breaks, where they catch lots of white crappies. “At the same time, though, most black crappies remain shallow in the same types of cover they occupied during the spawn. To target black crappies during spring and summer, anglers should consider casting jigs or float rigs near submerged stumps and logs.” To be most effective, crappie anglers should take a two-pronged approach, fishing shallow or deeper depending on relative species abundance and size, as well as activity levels. Biologists have been finding hybrid crappies in a growing number of waters across the U.S. Their movements and behavior have not been defined, but should be more or less intermediate between the two parental species.

“In the Brainerd area, anglers to this day seem unwilling to release 11- to 13-inch fish that have become infrequent catches. Heavy fishing pressure by skilled anglers and their reluctance to release big ones has made it lots tougher to find big crappies in area lakes.”

Today, prime waters exist where few anglers live—part of Northwestern Ontario and remote areas of northern states. As we’ve pointed out, northern crappies can get nearly as big as their southern cousins; it just takes them a lot longer. And the longer it takes, the more likely someone will catch and keep the fish before it reaches massive proportions.

For that reason, private waters today offer some of the best opportunities for fast fishing and big crappies. According to In-Fisherman contributor Roger Bullock of Greenbrier, Arkansas, “My recommendation is to get to know farmers or landowners who have large fishing lakes on their property.

“When asking for permission to fish, mention that you’ll release all or most of your catch, according to their wishes. Some owners would appreciate a few fish for themselves, and they’ll be more appreciative if you’ve already filleted them. Be careful not to litter or damage anything. Most importantly, tell no one when you find a real winner.”

Pay Attention to Seasonal Aspects

Roger Gant, a veteran crappie guide and tournament angler, fishes the southeast region from his base in Corinth, Mississippi. He suggests that anglers interested in catching the biggest crappie focus on the winter bite. “Everyone likes to fish in the spring,” Gant says, “and many big fish are caught then, particularly during the Prespawn Period. But in spring, even the best spots contain a mix of sizes, as males and females, young and old, feed and prepare to spawn in specific locations.

“During winter, on the other hand, the biggest fish tend to stack on specific types of structure. I know lots of spots on the reservoirs I fish. But I can look at a map of another lake and select likely locations. The channels of larger secondary creeks are prime spots, and the big fish hold along channel bends in 20 to 35 feet of water. Work jigs slowly along stump rows or brushpiles there.”

For the traveling angler, weather plays a powerful role. The winter bite is most reliable, as crappies typically group in deeper areas in the lower end of reservoirs. Editor In Chief Doug Stange vouches for the vagaries of weather and its effects on the bite, as he regularly travels the South and Southeast in winter and spring, filming episodes for In-Fisherman Television.

“Cold conditions can make it unpleasant to fish,” Stange says, “but you can catch lots of crappies. If you visit a lake toward the end of a strong warming trend in spring, you may find incredible fishing as the prespawn bite peaks. But I can tell you from experience that your chances of predicting this timeframe and making it happen are slight.

“In spring, the advantage goes with local experts who can fish a lake regularly and stay on top of the fish, or else they can fish when conditions are prime. That’s the opportunity we have at home when the ice goes off the lakes in April. When it’s on, the spring bite is best of all, but your odds of finding at least passing good fishing are far better in winter.”