Crappies don’t hibernate during winter. They are cold-blooded, so they become slow and conserve energy. However, they still eat, as often proven by the big numbers of fish caught in winter.

Crappies often seek deep water, but they also look for food that can cause them to suspend in the water column. Also, a shallow-water area that warms a degree or two often attracts shad and then crappies, along with other predator fish. Check logical areas where crappies should be located but don’t rule out a depth or area. Stay open-minded when fishing for cold-weather crappies.

Warm-water discharge lakes

Warm-water discharge lakes are obvious choices in winter. An example is Lake of Egypt in Illinois, where a power plant discharges warm water year ‘round. The coldest days of the year can be the best fishing days because shad in the area are drawn to the warm water.

Check obvious structures including points and drop-offs. Look in both shallow and mid-depth waters for active fish. Several techniques work, but a jig-and-float is a fun and effective method for working shallow or mid-depth waters where they break off into deeper water. Fish like to come up to feed, but they have a quick-retreat option to deeper water if they need it.

Go slow

LiveScope is popular but slow trolling is still a good winter technique on most lakes and rivers without warmwater discharges.

Tournament fisherman Dan Dannenmueller says, “The key to slow trolling, whether using two poles or more, is to go 0.1 or 0.2 mph. Or better yet just stop when you see fish. Leaving baits in front of the fish is usually the best way to get them to bite in cold water.

“Shad are key any time of year. Find an area showing shad on the electronics and you’ll likely be in a good spot. Pay attention to drop-offs and cover on the drops. These spots hold crappies because shad are moving in and out with crappies pursuing them. Crappies pursue slowly in cold water, but they are hungry and want to eat.

“Another tip for winter is to go to single rigs when fish are slow to hit or when baits must be put into the cover to reach the fish.”

The right bait

The right bait is important any time of year. It’s often a topic of energetic discussions because fishermen can disagree on the best size, along with type, action and color.

Through experimentation and by watching with LiveScope, many fishermen downsize in the cold water of winter. A small bite is easy to suck in and it looks like a typical insect or small baitfish.

Small is important, but don’t ignore medium and larger baits. There are times when crappies want a big meal. It equates to the maximum protein for the least amount of exerted energy.

Hard bites mean speed up

Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer Roger Gant perfected and popularized the art of side-pulling.

“The biggest fish I catch are in the winter,” says Gant. “There isn’t as much food available during winter, so when something comes by, the fish goes for it and gets it.

“Everyone knows presentations must be slower in winter. However, I prefer to go as fast as the fish will let me. When I’m catching fish, I’ll keep speeding up until they quit biting, then slow back down a little. That has worked for me in every season.”

Drop-offs

Drop-offs are one type of structure that are good in all seasons. Drops can be present at a variety of depths with the best crappie-fishing depth being determined by the season, water temperature and other factors.

A drop-off offers everything a crappie needs including protection, comfort and food. Start each search by trying to locate active crappies on the drop-off edge or up on the flat near the edge. Use electronics to scan different drops to find where crappies are holding. After finding the fish, make slow presentations, making sure to keep baits above the fish, but as close to them as possible.”

Closing tips

Crappies are still biting even though the weather and water is cold. Slow down, take your time and be ready for good action. Be safe, dress warm and enjoy a fun time catching fish.

For more insight and tips for fishing throughout the year, check out the articles in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.