White Crappie

Live minnows (particularly effective in tough conditions), small crappie jigs in 1/32 to 1/8 ounce weights, and soft plastics around 2 inches long.

Spring (March-May) before the spawn begins, and fall when they're feeding heavily in preparation for winter. During summer, fish deeper water during early morning and late evening. In winter, concentrate efforts during the warmest parts of the day (midday to early afternoon).

Vertical jigging around structure, casting jigs with slow steady retrieves, or fishing under bobbers when casting toward shore cover. In winter, use slower presentations as fish become less active in colder water.

Their diet consists primarily of zooplankton and small invertebrates during their first year, transitioning to small fish like minnows and young shad, along with crayfish and aquatic insects as adults.

White crappie prefer turbid waters and areas with minimal rooted aquatic vegetation, thriving in large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes larger than 5 acres. They're commonly found in low-velocity areas like pools and backwaters.