What is the best time of year to fish for Crappie?

Although the “official” Crappie season begins on March 1^st, one of the reasons that Crappie fishing is so popular is that in many areas of the United States, fishermen can actually catch Crappie all year round.   Crappies typically begin laying eggs in early March which is why the 1st is considered the beginning of the Crappie fishing season.  Spawning is usually at it’s height in mid April and consequently the largest fish will be found in the shallowest waters around this particular time.  Unofficially, however, good-size Crappie can actually be found year round in lakes that don’t typically freeze over.  In areas, that do freeze, however, anyone brave enough to battle the elements and spend the money on the necessary equipment can successfully ice-fish for Crappies as well.  While Crappie fishermen will usually be find the bounty most plentiful in March and April, any lake that retains a temperature of above 50 degrees is usually a good place to find Crappies during the colder months of the year.  Crappies prefer water temperatures above 65 degrees.  During the months of March and April, Crappies will be found closer to the shoreline in places that offer good cover.  In the colder months, however, the best Crappie fishing will be in the deeper, warmer areas of the lake or river.