If the water is muddy the crappie will be right on the banks! And if its realy really muddy they will get so close to the banks thier fins will being close to sticking out of the water, in like inches deep. Clearer the water the deeper they spawn. This is what I have observed myself, not speaking for anyone else. I Have a muddy reservoir and when water gets spawning temp they get in such shallow water you can see them. And I have another reservoir that is crystal clear and those fish spawn in 6-10 foot of water. I hope I helped with my opinion.