Mr S, There's always a few that stay shallow in sloughs, backwaters and rivers. If there is deep water near by then Crappie will head deep, but often that's a long swim. I've been pretty consistent catching Crappie in water 6 feet deep or less (often 2 - 3 feet) all summer. I've got a photo somewhere of my fishfinder showing water in the mid 90's and I'm pulling Crappie in 3 feet of water. Just a weird niche I've found in my kayak.