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MAY IS TIME FOR KANSAS ANGLERS
TO CLEAN UP ON CRAPPIE
Kansas anglers out in force
as popular sportfish move to shallow water
May 15, 2008 - Of all Kansas outdoor recreation
opportunities, crappie fishing is one of the most popular. These
tasty fish bite year-round, but spring brings them close to shore,
where they spawn in shallow water. This makes great fishing for
anyone with a hook and line.
Late spring is the best time to catch crappie.
They move to shallow areas when water temperatures reach the
mid-50s and wait to spawn at water temperatures of 60-65 degrees.
They may spawn as shallow as 2 feet deep and are most active
at dawn and dusk, when light levels are low. Look for spawning
fish near cattails, rock piles, or brush and twigs emerging from
water.
Live minnows are good crappie bait, especially
during cool spells when fish are less active. Hook the minnow
just under the dorsal fin to keep it lively. Use a bobber to
set depth, and keep a minnow near structure where the fish are
hiding.
When crappie are most active, small, colorful jigs
can produce even better catches. Small spoons, spinners, or crankbaits
can be effective, as well. For the avid fly fisherman, crappie
present a welcome challenge and bite well on a variety of flies.
Those that imitate minnows and nymphs are best.
Most crappie anglers use ultralight spinning gear
because the fish are not hard fighters and generally weigh less
than a pound. Monofilament line of 4- to 6-pund test allows an
angler to cast tiny jigs and provides better feel for light bites.
A slip bobber or float can help keep a small jig at just the
right depth and might help avoid snags.
Spawning crappie are easily frightened by noisy
movements, so approach shallow fishing spots quietly. Some anglers
use 10-foot rods equipped with short lines, wading and dipping
the lure in a technique known as "doodlesocking." Dipping
the jig in likely-looking habitat, the doodlesocker can fish
from spot to spot without spooking the fish. This is an effective
method when crappie are in water less than 3 feet deep.
For anglers fishing for food, it doesn't get any
better than spring crappie fishing. Best crappie lakes include
Toronto, Hillsdale, and Pomona reservoirs and Sedan and Anthony
city lakes. For more information on crappie fishing prospects,
consult KDWP's Fishing Forecast. Reservoir ratings for crappie
may be found in the KDWP Fishing Forecast. In addition, the most
currently-recorded biologists' fishing reports may be found on
the agency's Fishing Reports web page, and anglers can report
their own experiences and read those of others on the department's
Public Fishing Reports page. Water temperatures typically vary
from north to south in Kansas, so some movement may begin later
in the state's northernmost lakes.
Because they are prolific in most Kansas waters,
crappie creel limits are liberal -- in most places, 50 fish per
day. Some lakes have 10-inch length limits. Check the 2008 Kansas
Fishing Regulations Summary, available wherever licenses are
sold or online.
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