crappie patterns in the fall.

Seems like the crappie are packed in the slough's one day and then packed out on docks in the river the next. Seemingly the same weather over the last week though. Any clues to what might indicate whether they are at one or the other. Plenty of baitfish on both sites.

thanks, Oldrangernewcrappie

The water temps will drive the fish into the creeks once it gets colder. Right now the fish should be transiting into sloughs, but the weather is keeping the temps a bit warmer keeping the baitfish spread out some. Colder water temps will bunch the baitfish up more driving them back into the coves/creeks. But...that's JMO.:o

Thanks, that makes good sense.

Agreed, water temperature plays a major roll in crappie behavior. Also consider water level. When the level is stable or rising they will move into flats and coves of secondary creek arms. When the level is falling they will move out and stage themselves in areas where there is deeper water of the channels is close by. Brushpiles that are on the drop off of that channel are best.