My Top 5 Fall Crappie Fishing Tactics: Why Cooler Weather Means Better Fishing

Small Baits Can Have Big Results When Chasing Fall Crappie

One of the biggest mistakes I see anglers make during fall crappie fishing (especially in the north) is sticking with the same presentations they used all summer. As water temperatures drop into the 50’s, crappie metabolism slows down significantly, and their general behavior changes.

I've learned to downsize everything – jigs, plastics, minnows, even my line. Where I might have been throwing 1/16-ounce jigs in summer, I'm now dropping down to 1/24-ounce or even 1/32-ounce jigs on a cold day. These cold front days can be tough, but they often provide a great opportunity for turning over giant fish.  My go-to fall setup includes small lead or tungsten jigs often-times tipped with live bait. The key is presenting these baits with an almost painfully slow retrieve… or none at all. In fact, sometimes the BEST luck I’ve had is simply dropping the smallest jig I can find and letting it fall slowly in front of their face (but more on that later).

2. Fish During the Weather Extremes – Dress for Success

The Harlow Rain Suit is the Perfect Fall Layering Piece

Here's where being properly prepared separates the successful anglers from those heading home empty-handed. Fall weather can be incredibly unpredictable, and the best crappie fishing often happens during rapidly changing conditions. I’ve had some of my biggest fish caught in the cold rain after a cold front, or an extremely warm - above average temperature day. Being prepared to be out in both is truly key.

This is exactly why I never head out without proper layering, and I’ve been religiously using my DSG Women's Outerwear to handle the quick changing weather during the seasons. Their pieces are designed to handle the temperature swings that are so common during fall fishing – you know, when it's 35 degrees at dawn but climbs to 70 by afternoon, OR that random fall day with the snow falling, but fishing is lights out.   Having quality outerwear that breathes well but still cuts the wind has allowed me to fish through conditions that would have sent me home years ago.

I remember one particularly productive day last November when a cold front was pushing through. The temperature dropped 20 degrees in two hours, and most other anglers packed up and left. But because I was properly layered and comfortable, I stayed put and experienced one of the best crappie bites of my life. The fish were absolutely feeding like crazy, and I wasn’t going to be the one to leave.

In conditions like this my favorite pieces are the Harlow Rain Suit, because it can break the wind, the rain and the cold, then layer with the performance fleece, and a base layer.  I’ll often bring my Victoria with for those days when the temperature sores, and I can just quickly toss it on as

The key is having gear that allows you to focus on fishing instead of being miserable. When you're not constantly thinking about how cold or wet you are, you can concentrate on reading the water and making those subtle presentation adjustments that fall crappie fishing demands.

3. Target Transitioning Crappie in Deeper Water

Map of fall crappie transition

Fall is all about transition, and understanding crappie movement patterns during this time of year is crucial for consistent success. As water temperatures cool, crappie begin transitioning from shallow summer weeds to deeper basins.  The key is intercepting them during this transition period.

I focus heavily on areas that connect shallow structure to deep water – think long points or shallow reefs next to the basin.

My electronics are absolutely critical during this phase of fall fishing. I'm constantly scanning for suspended fish along these transition routes, typically in the 15-30 foot range depending on the lake. Once I mark fish, I'll position my boat and use a vertical presentation or do a slight cast with the small jigs or live small crappie minnows I mentioned above.

Spots for fall crappie fishing

4. Fall Crappie Fishing Means Mastering the Art of Slow Presentations

Fall Crappie Fishing Often Means Turning Over Big Fish

Fall crappie fishing requires a complete mindset shift from the aggressive tactics that work during spring and summer. These fish are preparing for winter, congregated together, and their metabolisms have slowed way down.  I've found that slowing down my presentations and focusing more on vertically targeting them compared to summer fishing is often the difference between a few scattered fish and a limit of quality crappie.

My favorite fall technique is to head out to the basin transition and target suspended fish with the slowest falling jigs I have. Keep in mind during this time that the bite is often so subtle that you'll miss it if you're not paying attention – just a slight tick or the line moving sideways.

I also rely heavily on live minnows during cold front weather in the fall, particularly small crappie minnows. I'll hook them through the tail to keep them lively and let the jig slowly pull the minnow down to the bait. The key is to let the bait very SLOWLY fall enticing some competition between the fish.

5. Trust Your Electronics – Technology Wins in Fall

Crappie Suspended Deep On Livescope

I have found that fall crappie fishing is where knowing your electronics truly shine, and I've learned that trusting what my units show me is more productive than trusting any traditional crappie “spots”.  As crappie transitions to deeper water and become more congregated, they are easier than ever to pick out.

I use a combination of side imaging to find around the structure, then down imaging/2D Sonar or FF Sonar (as shown above) to identify the fish.  Crappie congregate and very often suspend this time of year, making them VERY easy to pick out on 2D, Down Imaging or FF sonar.

The key is learning to interpret what you're seeing on your screen. Those  larger separate dots suspended at specific depths are often crappie, especially when they're grouped together. I've had days where I marked fish in seemingly empty water, only to catch limits from spots I would have completely ignored based on visual appearance alone.

Fall Crappie Fishing: Putting It All Together

Fall crappie fishing is the best time with friends and family

Fall crappie fishing is one of the best times of year to target large schools of fish.  The key to success is really about preparation and understanding that everything slows down as the water cools. The fish are still there, and they're still feeding – you just need to adjust your approach to match their changing behavior patterns. When you do this, you can turn over large numbers of fish thanks to

I find the key to be downsizing my presentations, focus on transition areas and deeper structure, and slow everything down to match the fish's metabolism. Most importantly, I stay comfortable and focused by wearing appropriate gear that allows me to fish effectively regardless of conditions.

The reward for this patience and preparation is some of the most consistent crappie fishing of the year. Fall fishing can be much better than summer, thanks to fish congregating in thick schools, making them easy to find and helping you turn over high numbers of them.

So as the leaves start changing and the water begins its seasonal cool-down, don't pack away your crappie gear. Instead, make the necessary adjustments to your tactics and gear, dress appropriately for the conditions, and get ready to experience some of the best panfishing of the year.