Buggs Island Spring Crappie Bite.

I plan to spend a week or so at Buggs Island this Spring. Kind of a semi-local Bucket List week for me/wife/famil7. I am thinking May. What seems to be the beginning of Spawning Bite and when does the Spawning Bite seem to end? Also what week is generally the peak of the Spring Bite?

Past years my records indicate Peak of Bite is when daffodils start to bloom, and by the time Dogwoods are opening/blooming then the strongest Bite is done--although a lot of guys don't even start fishing for crappies until Dogwoods are opening. Seemed best for me past year was 4/4 to 4/12/22 at Chickahominy.

Would I miss a "strong bite" at Buggs Island by going in May instead of April?

Thanks in advance.

IMO most years the crappie spawn here on Buggs starts in late March through mid April. Yes a few may still be spawning the first week of May but usually not many.
Big lake from one end of the lake to the other extends the spawn depending on the area you fish. Some fish typically move shallow in mid February or early March but this is to feed up not to spawn.
Allot of factors involved but the bite can get pretty tough for a couple of weeks after the spawn. April should be a better bite than May most years IMO.

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Originally Posted by Roy

IMO most years the crappie spawn here on Buggs starts in late March through mid April. Yes a few may still be spawning the first week of May but usually not many.
Big lake from one end of the lake to the other extends the spawn depending on the area you fish. Some fish typically move shallow in mid February or early March but this is to feed up not to spawn.
Allot of factors involved but the bite can get pretty tough for a couple of weeks after the spawn. April should be a better bite than May most years IMO.

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Thanks Roy, looking at some of the photos of slabs you have caught (and mostly released) at Buggs I will definitely try to schedule our trip as you advised.

Check back with me a few days before your trip and I'll give you an update on fishing conditions and what I'm seeing.