Question Johnr

[john]

This time of year where should I look for crappie. Will they be at docks or on brush piles and drop off. How deep should I look.

[herringbone]

I’m not Johnr by any means, but I’d say docks and piles should hold plenty of fish. With water temps lowering, they could be shallow in these types of areas as well. Shooting docks is great, or even pontoons if they’re floating (don’t make anybody mad though, be accurate).

[johnr]

They can be anywhere - lame I know, but true for this time of year.

If I was starting blind, I would search creeks first, looking for brush out to 25’ deep. If there is no bait, then don’t spend time in that creek.

I’d also search docks, especially if you know of docks that produce in spring or early summer.

Find areas with bait, and you will find them not far away.

As the water cools in December, the big ones will go to open water and the little ones will overrun brush.

My last trip out wasn’t targeting crappie. However I found some schooling along a deep bluff in a creek. They were literally swimming in a 50yard diameter loop, hitting several ‘landmarks’ on their path. They were 40-50’ deep and staying that deep on their path…. Not even 200 yards away, I was also able to catch crappies in “open water” relating to a clean flat bottom less than 20’ deep.

[john]

Thank you both for the answer. both of you are always good  and free with your info. Thanks.

[john]

We went out and had to look around a bit but we did find a few that were good size. Got 5 in the 8 to 10 inch range and cleaned them up had some venison so we had a good surf and turf meal. Once again thank you both.