Crappie Kingdom 15 Nov 2016

Crappie Kingdom

NOVEMBER!!!

The month of November is “chuck full” of activities that take away from time on the water. However, time on the water in November is very productive and should not be overlooked. To give you an example of what goes on for me in November is the following itinerary of mine. I got back from pheasant hunting just in time for quail season to open and waterfowl in the middle zone and southeast. Deer season opened early this year which involves my usual “treck” to North Mo to engage in the traditional opening season hunt with my brother. Furbearer season opened on the 15^th for those who hunt and trap. Deer season closes and opens again. Thanksgiving on the 24^th with family. Finally fishing in between. Oh, I forgot the most important event “Election Day”. I voted how bought you! I’m sure I’m not the busiest beaver in the pond but for “retired folk”, I was pretty busy. Now let’s get down to the serious issue of fishing in November.

Early fall fishing is fantastic but can be a changing event. This year we have had no early fall “temperature wise”. The above normal temperatures have kept the lake water temperature above normal for this time of the year. Consequently, the summer pattern for catching fish has prolonged as well. The “shallow” bed bite has been fantastic and fish quality exceptional. When I refer to “shallow”, I am talking 8 to 17 feet of water. Some folks might call that a medium depth but I’ll stick with shallow. Stockton Lake has been 3 to 4 feet low lake level. Pomme has been a couple feet above power pool to normal. Truman has been steady at power pool. Surprisingly the depth of fish being caught on these lakes are about the same, “shallow”. The depth of the fish will depend on the depth of where shad are congregating. I have caught fish in 36 ft. of water smack dab on the bottom. Reason being was the shad were there. This drastic difference is the change I mentioned. The bait fish dictate where the fish are to be caught. Some folks would never dream of catching crappie in that depth of water this time of the year but it happens.

Moving from structure to structure is a good plan. If the shad are not present on one bed, move to the next. It is critical to explore the entire piece of structure. The “sweet” spot in the cover may be relatively small but productive. Once it is found, stay with it until it changes. The reason I say this is because I have experienced time after time not catching fish where I thought they should be on or about a bed. I would move a small distance, find shad, and start catching fish. I have done this numerous times and actually caught limits off a bed that first appeared to be vacant of fish. I firmly believe the fish are present somewhere close to a host of beds that are not producing. I’m just not looking far enough to find them. Do not be afraid to try different depths. I have sat on beds that were less than 8 ft. deep and caught fish vertical jigging without spooking the fish away. Crappie are normally fairly spooky but they will throw you a “loop” now and again.

Try different types of structure. The outside edges of thick cedar structure can produce good numbers of fish. It appears that the fish are backed into the thick stuff waiting to ambush bait fish. When the jig appears, the fish run out and inhale it. Fishing directly over the top of the thick cover can produce fish as well. The key to this is to not go too deep. If you drop the bait too far into the brush, chances are you will get hung up or hook a fish that will wrap itself up in the brush. The positive of this situation is that you get to practice your tying on skills. Rock piles, laydown logs, stumps, bridge peers, and any other type of structure will also hold fish. Remember, things are changing and the fish will sometimes do the unexpected so be flexible and creative.

November is a great time of the year to be out on the water or in the outdoors. It’s a great time to put God’s bounty in the freezer for the coming winter. With so many activities going on at the same time, it is a good time to practice a little more caution while engaging. Good luck and good catching!