LATE SUMMER CAN BE PRIMETIME!
With the crappie populations on the rise in the eastern part of Manitoba, more and more anglers are asking for information on how to catch them year round.
On a recent trip to the Lac Du Bonnet section of the Winnipeg River I got a lesson first hand. Eastern region fisheries biologist Eric Mullen has been studying crappie behaviour and populations for a while now. It doesn’t hurt that he has been a hardcore pan fisherman all his life.
Eric has been setting trap nets on many sections of this body of water. He has found good populations on the Lee and Bird River sections as well as Hay and Coppermine Bay. He has also been angling for these fish in his spare time.
He recently spent some time fishing with me on the Lee River. He keyed in on the typical late summer pattern on lakes, rivers and reservoirs in this part of the world. Almost all of the crappies are relating to deep weed lines. Depending on the body of water this could be 6 feet to 14 feet depending where that weedline is .
TACKLE CHOICES
On the Lee River, we found that to be in the eight foot mark. The key to catching these fish was to cover water until you contacted fish. Eric found that a small 1/4 ounce bottom bouncer rigged with a three foot snell and small hook with one inch plastic was very effective. There are many other options out there, including the use of 1/16 ounce jigs tipped with small plastic. They could be twister style or creature style but something with a bit of thumping action helps attract the fish in stained water. Start fishing close to bottom but if the wind starts to blow and it is overcast, this fish will rise higher in the water column. As always it pays to experiment with presentation and depth.
While the action wasn’t hot and heavy on this day, we managed several crappies between 11 and 13 and a 1/2 inches. It certainly was enough for a great fish fry at the end of the day.
CLEANING AND COOKING
I have cleaned a lot of crappies over the years, especially when I guided for them. I prefer an electric filleting knife. Crappie have a nice flat backbone and very large ribs for their size. No need to take out any pin bones, so it is a simple couple of cuts.
Crappie flesh is even more delicate than walleye so you don’t want to overpower them with batter. A simple dip in egg, then coating with flour and your favourite spice will get the job done. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.