LOZ 5-9

[Bruce Carpenter]

Fished three hours last night and caught a limit of 10 and 11 inch crappie, down 10-12 feet in 15-30 feet of water around brush! All males again. jig and minnow tightlining and most hit as the bait was falling! Not many fishermen our in the evening. Beautiful weather, wait I think I have another bite!

[Warmouth]

Bruce- Are these post spawn fish, or staging for the spawn? It seems late for them to have not spawned yet.

Thanks.

[Bruce Carpenter]

dave, they are in a post spawn pattern, but why only males? If it was true post spawn there would be a mix of sexes. I have caught one female in the last three weeks, with several fishing outings during that time. And, mostly females are being caught on the banks at truman and MTL? They are full of eggs! It is an upsidedown spring. But wait a minute, I think I have another bite!!

[Warmouth]

Yes, I caught females with eggs right on the banks Sat. which is aweful late even for a big resevoir imo. The smaller Jackson Co lakes that I fish, the crappies are spread thin, and everywhere. Some near the banks shallow, others deep, and so far no good schools/concentrations that I have found, yet.

Anyway good luck to you on your next trip.

[90acres]

So Bruce, how do you tell a female from a male crappie? If they have already dropped their eggs, how do you know?

[Warmouth]

The males may still have their spawning colors.