Winter Crappie

tophat · Dec 12, 2008

I have never tried winter fishing for crappie.I was always the one who fished in spring till late fall then put the boat up and wait till it warms up lol.Never have tried it but i have gotten older now and would like to try it.What are some of the best ways to fish for crappie in winter tight lining or trolling?I know their are several ways just wanting some pointers.I fish kentucky lake and barkley lake mainly paris landing area and dover area on barkley.Any help would great.

rsimms · Dec 12, 2008

In our part of the Tennessee River (Chattanooga area), most winter crappie fishing is in deep water on the main channel. Either 1/32nd oz. or 1/16th oz. jigs fished 15 to 25 feet deep. 1/32nd is much better, unless current or wind won't allow it. Panfish Assassins, Ringer Stinger plastic grubs are just a couple of favorites.

We look for what we call "vertical structure" ... either steep rocky bluffs, or boat docks in deep water.

Our crappie stack up in various main channel eddies. Good current flow helps. Sometimes you might have to "hunt for them," but if you find one there's a good chances you'll find LOTS!

These threads might give you more info:
http://www.tndeer.com/tndeertalk/ubbthr ... ost1020811

http://www.tndeer.com/tndeertalk/ubbthr ... ost1040596

http://www.tndeer.com/tndeertalk/ubbthr ... ost1032699

Let me know if you've got any more specific questions. Be glad to help however I can.

Kirk · Dec 12, 2008

Tophat, that boat is not use to being out in cold weather. It will need a sweater and a thermos of hot gas if you take it out.

tophat · Dec 12, 2008

Ha ha i will keep that in mind lol.I got it in the gargage keeping warm lol.

BigGame · Dec 13, 2008

I fish about twenty miles South of Paris, the lake is still a mile wide and we have been catching them at twelve to sixteen feet deep in the deep water beds of stucture. One and a half inch tube jigs or curly tails seem to be the ticket. 1/32 or 1/16th oz jigs.