spring crappies

[mike frisch]

Open-water has appeared on many lakes here in western Minnesota and, along with that, open-water crappie fishing opportunities are now available. Anglers have been fishing from shore along bays, channels, canals and other shallow areas where the water warms quickly. Small jigs and crappie minnows have been good producers when tipped with waxworms or crappie minnows. However, this bite can be very fickle as the fish appear to move in and out of these shallow areas randomly so it is kind of hit or miss fishing. These fish can be very susceptible to overharvest when they do make these shallow feeding runs and later when they spawn in the shallows so selective harvest is very important to maintaining good fisheries.

Good luck on the water!

Mike Frisch
Fishing The Midwest fishing team member

[AllenW]

We've had good luck slow trolling in about 3 to 3.5 foot of water using plain hooks, bobbers and minnows, bobbers set at about 2 to 2.5 foot.

Sunday we found water temps on the main lake at 51 or so, in the shallow parts of the bays 56 or 57, that's where they were.

They hit on small tube red and white jigs also, but the bobbers produced just a bit better and were easier to use, just sit back and relax...:)

Al