Crappie spawn

[crappiepappy]

I've also heard that the spawn starts when the "daylight" is 13.5hrs long .... as in from sunup to sundown. In that case the 13.5hr daylight stretch will occur around April 23rd.

It's also of note to remember that surface temps are what is usually reported, but Crappie don't spawn on the surface. The water temps down 3-5ft could be several degrees colder than the surface.

Banks on the West side of a lake will receive the longest period of Sunlight, thus warming up first. But, also rocky banks & banks with dark bottoms will warm up quicker. Dirty or murky waters warm faster than clear or lightly stained waters, but usually just on the surface ... and that can give a false idea of when the spawn is taking place if one goes by surface temp readings alone.

Just my opinion, so take it FWIW.

[King31]

I saw 59 degree water temp at Nolin and crappie were absolutely full of eggs. I assume some have already started with the majority not far behind. The cold weather forecasted this week might put them another week behind. The following week is projected for several days in the 70s.

[luvtohunt]

Been catching fish since February that had eggs but they aren't ready to be laid yet in the areas I fish. Water temps were approaching the right temp for them to start moving up to get ready but this cold snap may slow that progress a bit.