Wesley Littlefield 04.16.25
Crappie fishing during the spawn isn’t limited to boat anglers. Crappie spawn in ponds, lakes, and creeks just a few feet off the bank. This means they’re the most accessible to shore anglers this time of year.
I’ve been bank fishing since I could hold a rod, and I still use the following seven tips to catch a mess of crappie during the spawn.
Don’t Overdo It With The Gear
I love testing new gear and tend to overpack for most fishing trips, but during the crappie spawn, I strip everything down. On the best days, crappie are incredibly aggressive and don’t require much gear, and on the worst days, they’re tight-mouthed and won’t bite anything you throw at them.
This is why I only carry a small tackle box with me, which contains my crappie jigs of various sizes (1/32oz to 1/8oz), crappie baits in multiple colors (white, chartreuse, pink, purple, and green pumpkin are my go-tos), spinners, Super-Dupers, bobbers, weights, stringer, and scissors.
My current rod and reel setup is a Pflueger Monarch ultralight 7’ spinning combo, but I also enjoy using an ultralight 5’ spinning combo in tight quarters (overhanging trees or crowded areas).
Sometimes, I’ll bring a small chair, but most of the time, I’ll sit on a bucket, rock, or log. Keeping my gear to a minimum allows me to be more mobile and has allowed me to have a more enjoyable time because I’m not lugging all that equipment around.
Live Bait Over Lures
In my experience, live bait always works better than lures. I sat next to a lady using live minnows while I was using a crappie jig. I always caught them on, and she outfished me 10 to 1. So, if you’re struggling to get bites, don’t be afraid to use minnows.
When to Go
When the water temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit, crappie begin to spawn. However, you can catch them from the bank before the water is that warm. In most states in the U.S., the spawn takes place in late March to mid-May.
This time frame is relatively short, and I encourage you to make the most of it. I do this by going when other anglers are at work. I take off mid-week and hit up crowded spots during the weekends. I understand not everyone can do this; that’s why the weekends are so crowded, but if you can, it’s worth it.
Where to Go
It can be extremely intimidating trying to find a good spot to fish because crappie only spawn in specific areas. Knowing where these areas are on the body of water you’re fishing will be the difference between going home empty handed or with a stringer full of crappies.
Crappie spawn in areas with hard bottoms and structure.
Rocky spots are my favorite to fish, but I’ve also caught them in shallow brush piles or standing timber. I prefer to find a spot in a creek arm or a pond, but I know plenty of anglers who do very well on the main lake and in coves.
The most important thing to remember is that crappie need to lay their eggs on a hard surface, not a muddy bottom. The crappie are probably nearby as long as you’re fishing near a dock, brush pile, or rocks (gravel, chunky rock, or rock cliffs).
Walk Farther Than Other Anglers*
Reaching spots that other anglers can’t or are unwilling to reach will typically mean you catch more fish than they do. However, there comes a point when you’re just wasting your time and energy because other anglers have already found the fish and are catching them.
I’m always willing to walk a little farther than others, but it’s not always needed (especially when you can go at times when other anglers are working).
Cast Parallel to The Bank
The biggest mistake I made as a kid (and still occasionally) is believing the crappie are far off the bank. During the spawn, that’s typically not the case. I recently caught a crappie two feet off the shore at my feet.
If other anglers are absent or you have enough room, cast parallel to the bank and slowly reel your bait until you get a bite. This time of year, I catch many more crappie by casting parallel to the shoreline than I do by casting perpendicular to it.
Patience Pays Off
Crappie are incredibly finicky fish. One day, you hammer them in a specific spot with a particular color, and the next, they’re nowhere to be found (or at least they want nothing to do with your lures and baits).
In moments like this, I’m forced to exhibit as much patience as possible. Every day during the spring won’t be the best day of fishing ever, but there will be a few days that are lights out. Having the patience and persistence to keep going out and staying longer will ensure you have the best chance of being there when it’s lights-out fishing.
Last Cast: Crappie Fishing The Spawn From The Bank
I guarantee that when you implement the tips above, you’ll have a more successful time crappie fishing from the bank. Please, please, please remember to leave the area better than you found it. I see too many excellent bank fishing spots ruined because of all the trash left behind. It makes anglers look bad and is bad for the fish, so don’t be that guy or gal.
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