COMMUNITY NIGHTS

Crappie from page 10 yet be nesting. As the water temperature reaches the high 40s to low 50s, crappie will move close to their eventual nests, staying, however, in slightly deeper water. Expect these nesting sites to be in pretty shallow water.

The fact that crappie at Mark Twain Lake, and all crappie, for that matter, usually spawn in shallow water is because the spring rains, northern snow melts and floods often make the water cloudy or even muddy. Crappie eggs need a certain amount of sunlight to mature and hatch, therefore crappie seek out shallow areas, because the muddy water filters out so much sunlight.

The real problem lies in years when the lake rises significantly due to flooding. If this happens during the crappie spawn, the shallow water necessary for them to nest and lay may be above the normal pool water line. That means if their eggs are laid high on the banks, where it is shallow during the flood conditions, the eggs will likely be left high and dry as the water recedes to its normal level. This can eliminate an entire crappie spawning season.

Clarity The Key

So water clarity is the key to finding the right depth for pre-spawn and spawning crappie. In muddy water conditions, the fish may be in very shallow water, often only inches deep. If the water is clear and clean, you may find spawning crappie at 18 to 20 feet. The exceptions to this rule are spots that block direct sunlight such as ledges or floating structure like logs or even docks. Crappie will nest in shade or shadows shallow in clear water.

Once you have found a good potential spawn area, narrow that area even more by eliminating windy locations. Wind is about the toughest crappie fishing condition I can think of, and Mark Twain can be windy. Stay away from open areas and look for small, secluded spots that afford wind protection. Coves and creek arms are your best bets. Even though crappie prefer to spawn on clay or gravel, your chances of finding the right bottoms are pretty slim. They will also nest in mud, sand and even weeds. Something that may be easier to locate is submerged cover, like brush and trees, that these fish also prefer to nest close to. Bridges and dock posts are also great spots to find spawning slab-sides.

Deeper Water First

Now that you have found that good potential area that has cover and the best general depth and is out of the wind, you may want to consider trying to focus on the deeper water first, depending upon its clarity. Do not ever forget cover, and like me, you may want to try fishing right on the vertical structure. During cooler periods, fish will like the deeper water best. As the water warms, follow the crappie up to their spawning spots.

Jigs are your best bet baits for Mark Twain Lake’s May crappie. Even though spinners, spoons and tiny crankbaits will work, tube jigs will usually produce a more consistent bite. Live minnows are also a preferred spring crappie bait.

If you are finding your crappie in less than four feet of water, try bright green pink or orange jigs. Shallow fish usually means muddy water, and these colors will be easier for the fish to see. If the fish are deeper – below about seven feet – go to a less brilliant color like green-brown or black on 1/64 to 1/100-ounce jigs.

Besides Indian Creek, Lick Creek will produce limits of good crappie in May. Beaver Creek in the western portion of the lake is good as is Pigeon Roost to the south.

The bottom line is, finding Mark Twain Lake crappie is no big trick. Get out there and catch a few and make the fillets into a great springtime meal. What a superb way to bring in the summer!

Mike Roux can be contacted at www.mikeroux.com.