I received the following e-mail and crappiepappy, looks like your right.

Mr. Ayers:

Not unusual for crappie & other fish to hold on to their eggs & reabsorb them if spawning conditions were never right. Phillip mentioned fish caught in tailwater & they likely spawn (or attempt such) later due to temperature of tailwater. Egg coloration & firmness will tell you if they are still viable (firm & not cloudy/milky in appearance).

Have had others mention same for crappie from Barren & Green this year, seeing more crappie that did not lay their eggs.

Eric Cummins
Fisheries Biologist - Program Manager
Southwestern Fisheries District
KY Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
970 Bennett Lane
Bowling Green, KY 42104
270-746-7129
270-746-7131(fax)