The most popular name for them is Crappie; pronounced ‘Croppy’, also called in various regions specks, strawberry bass and in Louisiana sac-...
The most popular name for them is Crappie; pronounced ‘Croppy’, also called in various regions specks, strawberry bass and in Louisiana sac-a-lait, (our favorite). Crappies are in the sunfish family and can be broken down further to black and white. While there are some characteristics inherit more in one than the other they generally have to do with preference of water conditions and habitat. The crappie have long been a favorite of spin rod fisherman, but like most species the crappie is gaining popularity in the world of fly fishing.
For the uninitiated crappie fall under the loose heading of panfish, generally warm water fish that don’t outgrow a frying pan. Crappie live in rivers, lakes and impoundments and the methods to catch them are seemingly infinite, depending on various factors.
Fly fishing for crappie begins early in the year. When the water warms to above 40 degrees they actively begin feeding. In the southern regions this can be anytime but typically January and February is called the pre-spawn, in the northern regions obviously it is much later. Fish begin actively seeking food usually traveling in schools. Crappie are opportunistic feeders and will pursue minnows, grubs, worms, nymphs, leeches, terrestrials, you name it. While they are not overly picky, finding them can be time consuming. Once found catching more than one is normal and when the catch slows changing color on a productive pattern is a sound strategy.
Once the water warms into the 60’s crappie actively begin to seek spawning grounds. Look for sand or small gravel where they can nest. Look for cover of any kind, both man-made and natural. Pilings, fallen trees, weed beds, drop offs, lily pads, anything that makes them fell protected. Typically the banks and the shallows with any of these features will be ideal. Casting into cover can be frustrating and requires precision, even so bet on losing some flies to snags.
Crappie are very easily spooked, wading or operating your boat with the utmost stealth is paramount. Their takes are notoriously subtle and often times a strike indicator will help you detect strikes that would otherwise go unnoticed. One exception to this is stripping streamers, generally will be met with a satisfactory tug. Although indicators here are useful in that they will keep your offering at a desired depth.
Post spawn crappie usually head to deeper, cooler waters and become generally inaccessible to the fly fisher, only to return in the fall. Waters upriver from reservoirs become especially productive as crappie that have fed deep in the lake are fat and somewhat greedy. Focusing on flies that imitate whatever they are feeding on is a good bet. As they feed voraciously before winter sets in.
For the trout fly fisher, crappie make an easy transition, anywhere from a 3 wt. to 5 wt. fly rod, with perhaps a spool of floating and sinking tip fly line, to attack varied situations. Add some 5x tippet or heavier in cloudy water, and some fishing flies for Crappie and panfish. Favorite Crappie flies include Clouser Minnow, Woolly Bugger, Bunny Leeches, Crayfish, Dragonfly Nymphs, Muddler Minnow, Hellgrammite, and other regional favorites too.
For the uninitiated crappie fall under the loose heading of panfish, generally warm water fish that don’t outgrow a frying pan. Crappie live in rivers, lakes and impoundments and the methods to catch them are seemingly infinite, depending on various factors.
Fly fishing for crappie begins early in the year. When the water warms to above 40 degrees they actively begin feeding. In the southern regions this can be anytime but typically January and February is called the pre-spawn, in the northern regions obviously it is much later. Fish begin actively seeking food usually traveling in schools. Crappie are opportunistic feeders and will pursue minnows, grubs, worms, nymphs, leeches, terrestrials, you name it. While they are not overly picky, finding them can be time consuming. Once found catching more than one is normal and when the catch slows changing color on a productive pattern is a sound strategy.
Once the water warms into the 60’s crappie actively begin to seek spawning grounds. Look for sand or small gravel where they can nest. Look for cover of any kind, both man-made and natural. Pilings, fallen trees, weed beds, drop offs, lily pads, anything that makes them fell protected. Typically the banks and the shallows with any of these features will be ideal. Casting into cover can be frustrating and requires precision, even so bet on losing some flies to snags.
Post spawn crappie usually head to deeper, cooler waters and become generally inaccessible to the fly fisher, only to return in the fall. Waters upriver from reservoirs become especially productive as crappie that have fed deep in the lake are fat and somewhat greedy. Focusing on flies that imitate whatever they are feeding on is a good bet. As they feed voraciously before winter sets in.
For the trout fly fisher, crappie make an easy transition, anywhere from a 3 wt. to 5 wt. fly rod, with perhaps a spool of floating and sinking tip fly line, to attack varied situations. Add some 5x tippet or heavier in cloudy water, and some fishing flies for Crappie and panfish. Favorite Crappie flies include Clouser Minnow, Woolly Bugger, Bunny Leeches, Crayfish, Dragonfly Nymphs, Muddler Minnow, Hellgrammite, and other regional favorites too.
