The last 2 walleyes I cleaned have had quarter size crappies in their stomach, so I'm thinking if I can find where the schools of baby crappies are I could increase my catch. The lake where I'm at is small with some structure and has a max depth of about 30', I am fishing in 14-15 ft. I was wondering if anyone had an idea as to where I might find these very small crappies, like in shallow weeds? deep rocks?, with the rest of the crappies? And is it normal for crappies to be that small in December in Minnesota?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I don't know what happens that far north in the winter but I can tell you that about all baitfish seek out the warmest water possible as winter comes on.

In southern lakes they begin leaving their shallow haunts as the shallow water begins to cool. Since it cools faster they head out into the lake seeking warmer water. They head out towards the middle of canyons and the main parts of the lake seeking the slower cooling deep water. The balls of bait will be evident on your graph as you motor around the lake. They will gradually go deeper and farther out into the lake until the water temps stabilize and they will hold until spring begins to warm the shallow water back up. The cycle begins again. The wads of bait are natures way of protection to some degree. The walleye will follow. The walleye may stage in deep water off long points,deep water shelfs, deep breaks, or any place the bait may travel past. While the baitfish will hold at relatively constant depths(gradually deeper as it gets colder) they seem to move around at those depths because of currents and wind. Calm sunny days they often raise up in the water column.

When a lake freezes over I have no idea.:)

Find the wads of bait and the walleye will be near.
Good luck.

Here's something you might think about.

http://www.stormlures.com/products/luresdetail.cfm?modelName=wildeye_live_crappie&freshorsalt=Fresh&type=soft_lures

I'm not surprised re: belly contents. One of my Dad's and my favorite baits on LOW in the 1940's+ was the Heddon Pumpkinseed, in crappie and bluegill finish. Bagley, I believe, makes a pretty good imitation. The Heddons on a slack line would wobble as they sank, very neat action.

Bill Krejca