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I am going out this afternoon on a "scouting" trip. This will be my first fall crappie trip ever, I have always been a spring only guy. I am hoping some of this info you guys have been offering up will help me out today. So in advance, thanks to all those who have given up info.
Fall can be crazy. They could be 12ft, 5ft, or 2ft deep. Alot depends on if the lake is turning over. This has more than likely not happened yet, but you will know if you start seeing a lot of trash coming to the surface and the water a little colored.
Start "scouting" now and learn the patterns of the lake you are going to. Once the lake starts turning, the fish will get out of the thermocline that they have been in during the summer. More oxygen is dispersed in the water at different depths because of the turnover, therefore spreading them out in the depths.
Hope this helps, but in the coming weeks the above will be taking place.
good luck
good luck and let us know how you do..
good luck and don't give up. Every time you go you gain something for the mental portfolio.
My 1st fall crappie fishing venture (ever) was not a total bust. Although I did not catch a fish, I did get a couple of nibbles, and got excited and pulled to soon :(. It was a VERY enjoyable day on the water; only 2 other boats on the lake, and they were not even close. I just sat out there and enjoyed the sun, nice breeze, and fished. I think I realized that I have been missing a great time of year to be fishing. I will be back in a few days, and hopefully I have the same experiance (with a couple of fish). I just hope the crappies don't overtake the deer season that opens on Wed.
I fished Crooked Creek near Humphrey yesterday with similiar results to LMBarnett. Did manage to get one in the boat, but the bite was so, so slow it was hard to get a hook set. The water was slightly stained and still had a little flow and at 73 deg. Most fish were 4-6 ft deep in 8-10 FOW on the graph, but since I only put one in the boat, I am not sure they were all crappie. Hopefully the fall action is just around the corner.
I personally like Fall/winter fishing better than spring/summer. Seems I have better luck than in the spring.
I forgot to mention that the surface temp was 80FQuote:
Originally Posted by LMBarnett
All of these replies explain exactly why I like fall fishing. My favorite things about fall fishing is that there's not much boat traffic with all the antler hunters on dry land, and the crappie are very willing to bite. You can go out and actually enjoy being on the water and take in the scenery instead of swattin' flies and dodgin' ski boats. But, this time of year can still be tough, like LRJoe stated. The fish are transitioning, which means that one day you can catch a boat load only to come back the next day and have to find 'em again. But once november gets here, the crappie will start settling down into their winter haunts. That's when all the fun starts. The nastier the weather, the better. I always wondered why I can't find anybody to fish with me...other than Goocher, who whines when the temp drops below a balmy 40 degrees...:cool: