Spawn

With the warmer temps, and the water temps rising, you should begin testing some of the more shallow waters in the near future. My personal feelings, which are unproven to my knowledge, is that the majority of the early spawning fish are some of the biggest Crappie with smaller fish coming later. I'm not saying that all big Crappie spawn early, but a lot of them will beat the smaller ones to the beds. I did find a couple of places on Oologah where the water temp was already up to 45. I've always started searching when it hits 50, but it can really turn on at 55 degrees.

With this week of warmer weather, I expect Crappie on most waters to really start moving around. Those that fish the spawn only should make sure they're ready to go. I have a feeling it's going to come up on us fast.

Those who fish the ponds should be checking them out this weekend. You're liable to get into the Mother Lode.

I agree! Some of my best spawning fish have come earlier than most would expect. I'm going looking for the mother lode tomorrow at a friends pond I normally hit once or twice a year.

I agree too

Thanks for the update Reaper.

Thanks

Thanks a lot. Waiting on my motor is killing me even more! Lol

Surface temp in the slips at Redbud yesterday was 46.3 in the shade.

Thank you for the heads up Reaper.


Bobo

With the water temperature rising do the fish have a pattern if the temp is 45 now where are they located still main lake or have they moved to creeks at 50 and 55 or is it random depending on conditions. I guess I'm trying to say is it all based on temp And is there movements consistent to the temps thanks

Thanks for the heads-up Reaper. I might have to slip down to the dock this weekend and dunk a minnow or 2 for a bit.

Is it best to go early morning? When the water is still a little cool or in the evening after a full day of warming from the sun?

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Originally Posted by cvrx4

Is it best to go early morning? When the water is still a little cool or in the evening after a full day of warming from the sun?

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Welcome! My experience on Oologah is that early is good, then as the sun gets higher, they seem to move a little deeper throughout the day. I'll find one in the shade sometimes. A nice quiet overnight trip is my favorite time during the spawn. Nothing like being up a creek doodle socking brush and silently moving along. It's also a great time to find the right spot and toss out some bobbers with minnows hanging down about 8-18". You can't beat it!

I find this is a good read several times a year. Hope it will help your catching crappie. http://www.explorekentuckylake.com/l...01-crappie.htm

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Originally Posted by IkenI

I agree! Some of my best spawning fish have come earlier than most would expect. I'm going looking for the mother lode tomorrow at a friends pond I normally hit once or twice a year.

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Well, no mother lode. I did bring back about 25 nice keepers but had to really work for them. They were deep in the brush and I didn't bring a doodle sock rod. The bonehead didn't work too well for that. The wind was terrible also. Very immature eggs in the ones I caught. Spring fed pond - cold water - all blacks (and fat!)

The Bonehead did work okay out in the open.

i fished the mouth of lightning creek yesterday. water temp was 53.

Getting close!

I think we're still at least a month out from the spawn, maybe 5-6 weeks. I've got a feeling it will be late in April or early May before its a full blown spawn. Hope I'm wrong.

I was thinking of a night trip tomorrow so I can get a friend on water. oologah does anyone have any experience fishing late this early any tips or suggestions area ...depth ..etc or would it be a waste this early.. I'm off work at 9 in the morning wanting to get out then just not sure where to start..... If you guys were getting on the water tomorrow around 10 am where would you start... thanks I appreciate any input thanks

Is lights the way to go at night?

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Originally Posted by Stinkfinger

I think we're still at least a month out from the spawn, maybe 5-6 weeks. I've got a feeling it will be late in April or early May before its a full blown spawn. Hope I'm wrong.

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That's what I was thinking - but I was sure hoping it was going to be earlier. But I would be happy if they would just start moving back into the coves again. I hate sitting there for hours without even a nibble.

I agree reaper. I call it "first fruits". The first fruit off of the tree is always the sweetest and best. My better days during the spawn always come early. Sometimes you miss a lot up front but when it hits it usually its the mother load. I usually start hunting early and often.

Same here reaper. Eufaula has came up some after the rain, thats what hurts it more than other factors, falling water levels. Going north end more this year, takin a page from Larry Dalbergs hunt for big fish......and not so many people to boot.