Thread: crappie and muddy water

I Think It Effects The Fisherman More Than Fish At Least If It Has
Been Muddy For A Few Days.

Managed to catch 16 today in very muddy water that was rising .
Noslab.

I think it makes a difference, but have no idea exactly what difference it makes to a fish. Perhaps just harder to see and they might rely on seeing and dark outline against the muddy background or on scent, vibration, and just plain old movement as opposed to seeing sharp images.

Originally Posted by Fishtaco

I think it makes a difference, but have no idea exactly what difference it makes to a fish. Perhaps just harder to see and they might rely on seeing and dark outline against the muddy background or on scent, vibration, and just plain old movement as opposed to seeing sharp images.

It does nothing to the fish---that is a old fish story about muddy water. The raging waters stir up more bait or food for the fish.

Last year I caught crappie in muddy water and swift.

In my experience, they have more to feed on and the "strike zone" is smaller. I still catch fish but IMO, sight is not as great a factor as vibration and scent. They still have to feed to live and they do. Ask any 10 crappie fishermen and you'll get any 10 different opinions! :D

here's my 2 cents;

1. I personally feel crappie relate to structure tighter in muddy water than in clear water. I think the effects have to do with sight, and the effects that muddy water has on temperature. If it is sunny, the water will warm quicker in muddy water.
2. I think you can get a lot closer to the crappie in muddy water, because it does effect visual field. I think it's probably a lot easier to doodle with just 3-5' of line on a 10' jig pole than in clear. In clear you have to stay off them & use corks so not to spook them. That's what I think anyway.

If its so muddy you can tract a coon across the lake I had sooner to set home.

I have wondered about the mud line,is it muddy all the way to the bottom in the lakes and oxbows or just a few feet.With mud washing off from the banks and feeder creeks does it push the clear water to the top or bottom.