Crappie Fishing in Missouri

Crappie Fishing in Missouri

Crappie Killer by Blue Ribbon Lures

They're pretty much everywhere in Missouri

Crappie are common in most of Missouri's large reservoirs, rivers,
and streams, as well as many smaller public and private ponds.

When and how to catch them

Spring—fish the shallows

In spring when crappie are spawning in the shallows, anyone can cast a
minnow and bobber toward the bank and catch a ton of fish. Crappie may
spawn as early as mid-March in the southern part of the state and as
late as the end of May in northern Missouri. The spawn generally occurs
when water temperatures reach 55F. The depth at which crappie spawn
depends on water clarity. In stained or muddy water, they may spawn as
shallow as 1 or 2 feet. In exceptionally clear water, they may spawn as
deep as 20 feet or more.


During the spring spawning period, use a trolling motor to move
slowly and quietly close to the shoreline. Flip a small (1/32 to 1/16
ounce) jig into the shallow water along the shore. Move slowly and hit
every nook and cranny around rocks, woody debris and vegetation. Pea
gravel banks are also preferred spawning locations. Once you locate
crappie, stop and continue fishing that spot until the fish stop biting
or they’re not big enough to suit you. If a spring cold front sends
crappie out to deeper water, concentrate on steep banks. Crappie won't
be very far off the bank.


On waters that get high fishing pressure, try casting a tiny jig
right onto the bank, retrieving the bait with the rod tip straight in
the air, and erratically jerking the bait near cover on the bank. You
often get strikes right next to the boat after the crappie follow the
bait back.

Summer—move to deeper water or try night fishing

Post-spawn through September, crappie tend to stay in brush located
in 15 to 20 feet of water, about 10 or 15 feet down. Concentrate on
standing timber along creek channels and on brush piles out on the main
lake. Vertical jigging works well when fishing the brush.


Fishing around concrete bridge piers is a productive technique for
catching crappie in Missouri’s large reservoirs during summer. Focus on
piers in water at least 20 feet deep. Vertically jig a minnow next to
the pier beginning at a depth of about ten feet and slowly work deeper
until you locate fish. If you’re not successful in locating and catching
fish after several attempts, move to another pier.


Fish deeper brush near the thermocline (where the water suddenly gets
cooler with depth) during hot summer months with split shot, a light
wire hook and a small shiner or fathead minnow hung over the side of the
boat.


During the hot Missouri months of July and August, try night fishing
for crappie! Artificial lights such as floodlights on docks, street
lights and commercially available floating and submersible lights
attract insects and small baitfish that will in turn attract crappie.
Fish much as you would during the daylight hours with either minnows or
artificial baits, fishing at different depths until you locate fish.

Fall—try the docks

Crappie are generally very predictable and aggressive in October and
November. Docks are a prime location for fall crappie, where they can be
caught in the upper 10 feet of the water column.


Cast into the back of a boat slip or along the edges, letting the jig
sink for 2 or 3 seconds, and then retrieve slowly. Crappie will also
move into shallow water on warm days in the fall, where you can catch
them in the same brush piles they inhabit during the spawn.

Winter—enjoy some of the best fishing of the year

Unfortunately, many anglers stow away the boat and fishing tackle
before the first snow flies. Those who don’t can experience some of the
best fishing of the year and have their favorite lake all to themselves.


You can find crappie in deep water (20 to 40 feet) in the winter, but
they will move into shallower water during a string of warm days. The
key to catching crappie in the winter is to use a very slow retrieve. In
cold water, crappie will not chase a fast-moving lure like they will
during the warmer months.


In addition, winter crappie tend to congregate in large, dense
schools near structure instead of scattering in loose schools over a
large area. Casts to one side of a brush pile may yield nothing while
the other side may produce a fish on nearly every cast.

Tackle and technique

If you talk to a dozen crappie anglers, you will likely get a dozen
different opinions regarding the best way to catch them, the best jig
color, the best line to use, and so on. In reality, two anglers in the
same boat can be using two completely different techniques and baits,
and they will both be catching fish. The key is to not get stuck on any
one approach. Experiment until you find a technique that works for you. I usually begin with different colored tube jigs or the Crappie Killer.


Crappie are attracted to woody cover regardless of the time of year. A
good rule of thumb is to fish shallow during spring and fall, then fish
deep during summer and winter. However, a string of warm days in
January can send fish into water less than 5 feet deep, while a strong
cold front in April can send them to the depths for a few days. When
trying to locate crappie, target brush piles or other cover at a variety
of depths, and let the fish tell you what depth they prefer on a given
day.


When crappie are active, they will hit a bait presented in close
proximity to cover. When they are not so active, you may need to get
your bait down into the brush to be successful. The two most effective
ways to do this are vertical jigging and casting. A weedless jig works
best for these types of presentation.

Vertical jigging

To fish a bait vertically, simply drop it straight down into the
brush until it hits bottom. Then slowly reel up until you get a bite.
Note the depth at which you get a bite and concentrate on fishing at
that depth. Another productive method is to use a very small jigging
spoon. Fish vertically over deep brush and raise and lower your jigging
spoon 1-2 feet. Crappie will often hit the spoon on the fall while it is
fluttering. This is a good technique to use when you run out of minnows
or simply get tired of re-baiting your hook.

Casting

When fishing shallow brush or in very clear water, you may need to
back away from the brush and cast. Toss your bait past the brush and let
it sink to the bottom on a tight line. Slowly retrieve until you
contact the brush. When you feel your bait come over a limb, let it sink
again. Keep doing this until you clear the brush. By doing this, your
lure is actually penetrating down into brush instead of just skimming
along the outer edges.

Bobbers

These are not just for young or inexperienced anglers. There are days
when crappie will only pick up a jig or minnow that is hovering nearly
motionless. Again, you may need to experiment with the depth of your
bait to find the fish.