Locating Suspended Crappies in Early Spring
In early spring, crappies often defy expectations. While most anglers search for them in shallow cover, weed beds, or near spawning structure, the reality is that pre-spawn crappies frequently suspend in open water. On this particular day, we were fishing in a quiet bay typically known for spring crappie action. But rather than hugging trees or nestling in weed beds, the fish were roaming the middle of the bay—suspended in 12 to 15 feet of water, often only four feet below the surface.
At this time of year, when water temperatures range from the low 40s to high 50s, crappies often stage in warmer bays but remain mobile and loosely grouped. Traditional shoreline tactics might leave you empty-handed because the fish are often behind you—out in the open. 
Using Side Imaging to Find Schools
To locate these scattered schools, side imaging has become an essential tool. It allows you to scan large areas of featureless mud bottom and spot roaming pods of crappies. Once located, the trick is to stay mobile—because they certainly are. One moment, you can double up on a spot-locked boat, and the next, you’re casting into empty water.
This is where the technique of swimming a jig truly shines.
The Power of the Swimming Jig
When crappies are suspended and on the move, a jig offers a perfect blend of casting distance, depth control, and finesse. The bait of choice here was the Big Bite Baits Lindner Panfish Special Jig—a 1/16-ounce lure featuring a plastic body paired with a touch of marabou. The design gives it a slow, enticing fall rate while allowing for excellent depth control during the retrieve.
To dial in the proper depth, count down the jig’s fall on slack line—about 18 inches per second in this case. For instance, a two-count drop puts the jig at roughly three feet. If bites aren’t coming, adjust slightly deeper—but never fish below the crappies. They almost always feed upward, so keeping the bait above them is critical for success.
The Ideal Gear Setup
The right gear makes a significant difference in presentation and sensitivity. The setup used consisted of:
- Rod: St. Croix Avid Series, 7-foot, light power, extra-fast action
- Reel: Size 1000 Daiwa Fuego
- Line: Sufix Nano Braid, 6-pound test, tied directly (no leader)
This setup maximizes sensitivity and control, especially important when dealing with subtle bites and wind-driven conditions. The choice to tie direct without a fluorocarbon leader was based on the stained water and expectation of heavy shoreline cover, reducing break-off risks.
Presentation Matters: Reading Wind and Controlling Depth
Wind is often a factor in spring crappie fishing. Crosswind presentations result in poor depth control, as the wind grabs the line and pulls the jig too quickly. The best results come from either fishing into the wind or with the wind at your back, which ensures consistent bait presentation and bite detection.
Subtle bites are common—many times you won’t feel a classic “tick.” Instead, watch for your line to jump or notice increased resistance when you go to pull the jig forward.
The retrieve technique is simple but effective:
- Cast downwind.
- Let the jig fall to your targeted depth, counting as it sinks.
- Use a high rod angle to gently pull the jig forward.
- Drop the rod back, pick up the slack, and repeat.
This “pull and fall” motion creates an irresistible swimming action, keeps the bait in the strike zone, and improves your ability to detect strikes. Often, bites occur just as the rod is lifted again after the bait has coasted and fallen naturally.
A Season-Long Technique
While especially productive in early spring, this technique isn’t limited to the pre-spawn window. Once crappies finish spawning and retreat from the shallows, they often suspend off weed lines or roam over open water. Swimming a jig remains one of the best ways to stay on active fish through summer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to find crappies in the shallows during early spring, look beyond visible cover. Target suspended fish in warmer bays using side imaging, stay mobile, and master the swim jig technique. With the right gear, depth control, and retrieve style, you’ll stay on fish throughout the spring and well into summer.
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