I reckon some like to do it with the lights on, and some with the lights off. If the moon was the factor for the spawn, why wouldn't they all spawn at the same time instead of the pattern moving North as the waters warm up. I think of this each time someone claims the Moon is the cause. It might be some sort of trigger, but I personally think the water temps make the biggest difference. Does the Male work that nest and holler, "Hey Baby, I have the bed made"! Then does the Female say, "Not tonight, I have a headache because the light is too bright".

I will say the night bite during the spawn is the way to go. Daytime will cause them to move deeper as the sun gets brighter and higher. I've heard the experts say the males stay on the beds to guard them after the female has had her time. I don't think they all stay.

Disclaimer....I did NOT attend Crappie U and am NOT a fishy biologist. I just know what I've seen for 48 years of Crappie fishing.

What cracks me up about the spawn are the do gooders that refuse to fish it in order to let the Crappie do their thing. They say it's just not right to take a fish when they are trying to procreate. Their logic is ignorant as anytime someone takes a fish, it inhibits their ability to procreate.