Crappie question

[Zelmsdawg]

For those who may know more than me or be more experienced, about what time do the crappies start moving out of lake basins? I'd assume they then move up to weedlines around spawning sights? Is this a correct assumption?

Thanks,

Zelmsdawg

[Borch]

Generally when ice breaks way from the shoreline and there's a rush of oxygen rich water into the shallows. Although there are always crappies shallow. Sometimes very shallow even during mid winter months.

[fishinfey8]

I will just say-this year has been different than most...I haven't really found the bigger crappies in the basins at all, yet. But, generally fish will start moving as soon as the ice is off, sometimes earlier. Usually they are staged nearby spawning grounds, waiting for water temps while feeding too. Warm water is key...find the warmer surface temps. This might mean an inlet, the N side of the lake, big dark colored rocks, mud bottom. Anything that might warm up faster with a little sunlight.

[Icy]

This year I have found them in 25-30ft