Spring is here — and if you're a crappie angler, you already know what that means. The spawn is coming, the slabs are moving shallow, and the bite is about to get serious.
Whether you're hitting your favorite brush pile or scouting new structure, here's what we're thinking about heading into the best time of year on the water.
1. Find the Warm Water First
Crappie follow the thermocline. As water temps creep toward 55–65°F, they'll start staging near spawning flats. Focus on the north banks first — they warm up fastest.
2. Downsize Your Presentation
Spring crappie can be finicky. Drop to a 1/16 oz jig in natural colors — chartreuse, white, or pink — and slow your retrieve way down.
3. Watch the Moon
Full and new moons in April and May trigger some of the heaviest spawn activity of the year. Mark your calendar now.
4. Dress for the Conditions
Early mornings on the water are still cold. Layer up and fish longer. The angler who stays comfortable, stays on the water.
What's your go-to spring crappie setup? Drop it in the comments below 👇