Thread: Fall Crapie Tactics

Originally Posted by Jigboy

How do you guys approach the crappie in the fall. I have never fished in the fall because the boat is usually winterized and the guns are a blazin. I normally long troll but have been told that is not the best approach for the fall. I am guessing I will head out to Taylorsville in the fall to try it because I am close to there and will probably run out on days I get off work early. Any suggestions?

I've had some good Fall trips to T-ville, in the past. Usually starting around mid to late Oct, and into mid Nov, I've always found them to be hanging around the cedar hulks that are in 15-30ft of water. They seem to be around the 8-12ft depth, and right in the branches of the trees. I always used minnows (back then) and did one of two styles/methods of fishing for them. In Oct ... it was mostly going from tree to tree, minnow/slipfloat (set at 6-8ft deep), and dropping down into the tree limbs ... let it sit for a few seconds, then lift it out and drop it back on another "side" of the tree. In Nov ... it was mostly tightline fishing w/minnows, tied to a tree top or between tops, and fishing 8-12ft deep (over 20-30ft bottom depths).
I haven't fished T-ville, in Oct/Nov, for several years though ... that's when I make my Fall trips to Watts Bar

... luck2ya ... cp

Early Fall fish'n on Ky. Lake is much like the prespawn patern you'll see in early spring. Seems like the fish relocate a little more often though. I do some spider riggin in the bays but consintrate most of my fish'n in brush located in 8' to 12' of water and look for water temps in the low 60's and high 50's. I do a lot of casting, and the fish, if you find them, are usually pretty aggressive. It almost seems like they are going into another spawn! Infact, I have caught many females this time of year full of eggs! Don't over look the shallower brush either. I have caught them in late Oct. and early Nov. in 2' to 3' of water fish'n blow downs on the bank close to deep water. This is one of my favorite times of the year to crappie fish. As you said most folks trade in the rods for the rifles and many days you'll have it all to youself.

in my opinion fall and early winter are the best times to crappie fish.

I think I am going to stick to only muzzleloader and gun season this year. My bow stinks anyway and I can't afford a new one yet. I am going to fish into the fall this year. Usually I am on the water by Feb. anyway. What about at night under the green lights in the fall? Anyone ever try that or is it a waste of time?