Spring Crappie Hunt

Time to hit the crappie holes! lol Been out on the Holland the past few days and looking for some crappie. Got a few but very small ones. Did I miss the main run? Lots of ppl out on the weekend but didnt see much fish. Fished about ten spots, and same, small perch sunfish and the odd tiny crappie. Even some bluegills would be nice. Anyone having any luck? Keswick canals producing yet? TIA

No you did not miss it. Very early this spring is, compared to previous years, but the crappie know when to move. When I was crappie fishing two weeks ago, I had to go out on the water to find the crappie. They were still in deeper water, but very hungry as their metabolism is in spring feeding mode now. The crappie have been anticipating their move for about three weeks now. I did some checking and the water level and temperature is almost right for a good day of crappie fishing in that area you are talking about, and all over Zones 14,15,16,17 and 18. Thursday through Sunday will be the kickoff to spring crappie fishing from Windsor to Ottawa. I am sure everyone will see many people out trying their luck for these illusive bandits. My friend was fishing for them yesterday and caught a few small ones. He went back out this morning and nothing, not one. I told him to set the alarm and get out Thursday and into the weekend. Tonight and tomorrow I will be fishing for crappie in the rain just to stay out of the sun. Good luck when you get out to chasing down the crappie.

Great Info CM!
I've always wanted to get on the crappie, but I either miss the "run" and/or don't know enough about them to target them consistently. The ones I catch are definitely incidentals when I'm targeting other species.

It seems you fish a lot at night - is this because crappie are more active at night? My understanding is sometimes you practically have to be right on top of the school... if you're 10 ft off you won't get a bite.

Hopefully this spring I can get out and do some fine tuning of my skills. I know lakes where they are - just have to find them. LOL

Fishing at night for me, is to stay out of the sun. LOL. I do fish daylight hours, but mostly spring and fall. My methods for catching crappie and walleye work best at night. More people prefer fishing for walleye and crappie during daylight hours and up to sunset. Not as many people fish the dark side. I just prefer fishing at night. Except for the bugs and sometimes meeting animals with big teeth. Good luck on your future crappie adventures.