Thread: Red ear/shell cracker spawn

At what water temperature do y'all expect to see red ear on beds?

I fish for them same time that the bluegills are spawning

Google search says 68-75deg.

I think why many of us miss the optimum spawning time is we go by the water temp wherever the boat is. Up next to a bank or let's say shallow water at least, the temp could be a degree or two warmer. The best thing is to start trying for them once the water starts getting above 60, and you'll eventually find them. The ones I caught last week are not ready to lay out, but they're not that far off either. Water temps ranged from upper 50s to low 60s. Everything is about 3 to 4 weeks ahead of a typical year in in the eastern part of NC.

The strawberries, blueberries, crappie, bass, etc... Go to your spawning areas and start fishing. They're going to be in the vicinity. Fish shallow and deep. Good luck.

im of the opinion that many factors dictate when fish spawn not just water temp. moon phase, length of daylight, weather stability, and water level of a given lake (esp lakes of a river system or hydro-electric dam). i caught 91 yesterday with water temp of 80 that were in full spawn. its been a warm winter for us here in the south and this is about 3 weeks early for us.

I'm out of Lake Barkley and I'm getting the itch to go. An older fella reportedly caught two huge redear while crappie fishing two days ago.

I think I'll slip out tomorrow and drown some redworms...

Originally Posted by redearhoosier

I'm out of Lake Barkley and I'm getting the itch to go. An older fella reportedly caught two huge redear while crappie fishing two days ago.

I think I'll slip out tomorrow and drown some redworms...

How did you do?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Let me know, Im planning a trip there. Thanks

A friend of mine said he caught some nice ones today at a lake in northeast MS..all were dark males, he caught them shallow near typical spawning areas..not sure what the water temp was