River Craps

[Vitreus]

With lakes out of the question now, I'm looking to the Mississippi for my spring fix. Does anyone have any river patterns for crappies they'd like to share? I'm guessing they are congregating in warm areas/backwaters? The water's moving pretty fast right now. I'm going to do some more research, but asking here is step one. I'll post on what I find.

[bbfenatic]

I fish smaller rivers up here and find them early against the banks, then as it warms up my secret to finding them is under foam blankets, looking for shade.

[Rick G]

Right now, in our area, we are looking to any shallow back water places that provide protection from the current.

Last week, with the warm weather I was finding some pretty good numbers by a small boat launch in one of the city parks

One thing I will look for when trying new areas is brush or willow trees in the water, the crappies will often hang close to or right in the brush.

The water in this area is still pretty cold yet, the crappies are just starting to make their move, be patient and you will find some

[pushbutton]

Just got back from fishing some tonight. Was actually surprised on how active they were. As Rick mentioned, backwater, less than 4 ft of water, and very tightly grouped around some brush. A cast of 3 ft either way made all the difference. This time of year, you make your own luck. Went out to fish for roughish, but checked this and a few other areas ....just on a maybe. Did not even have a proper set up for them, but it made it all the more fun.

[Vitreus]

Thanks for the input. I found these as well. They seem to confirm the advice given:

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2235555/Where_do_you_look_for_spring_r

[JeremyCampbell]

Cool,can't believe ppl are finding crappies.

[Rick G]

Cool,can't believe ppl are finding crappies.

They are pretty easy to pattern once you figure out what to look for.