mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Hi All,
Lately when I get out to fish it's been in SE Wisconsin. My main targets are Northern and LM Bass. It's been forever sinc I caught and ate Crappie. They are so good.

I've never fished in early spring after ice out but the only season I have caught crappie is in spring.

Keeping in mind my region is there a time in spring I have a chance to catch Northern, bass, and Crappie in the same trip or does spawning times make that difficult? When in spring is the best time for each species? What are good baits for crappie? I've only caught them on small minnows or worms.

Thanks,
Ed

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Spring and fall have always been my go to times for big crappie out hear on the west coast. I troll until I get one, then I fish that area very hard as they are schooled up. The same seems to go for large perch.
As soon as I get any hit (pre landing fish) on trolled small paddle tail, hard plastic (small flicker shad, mini plug, or beetle spin with white curly tail., I hit the "man over board" on the gps and make a waypoint.
I then cast that area using small jig (1/8 oz) and paddle tail with a smaller jig (1/32 oz) and 1.5 or 2 inch yellow and white tube worm tied 12 inches above it. If no results, I troll back over my track and again try to find the school. There are times when I keep getting fish trolling and can not get a bite casting. I can live with that.
A caught crappie tied to a 3 foot line and balloon on the other end really works to keep track of the school. Use a longer line if the fish are deep. On a tough day, I will have to go without crappie, but usually end up with plenty of perch, bluegill or bass on the stringer. Life can be hard.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Thanks Bapabear.

spowensk Loc: illinois

I travel downstate to Rend Lake for Crappie. Minnows are what they seem to like the best but also caught some on red worms. Lots of locals just use tube jigs. Some days they hit red or pink sometimes blue has a higher success.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Thanks Spowensk

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

I'll send you Pics of the lures & set-ups we use here for Crappie Ed,, They are my Target Fish,, wife is just getting home so maybe early Morning OK ?

spowensk Loc: illinois

Sounds great

spowensk Loc: illinois

No problem.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Thanks