04-24-2024, 01:11 PM
As most Willard "regulars" know, the crappies in Willard are dependent upon high water levels to bring off a good spawn. They need flooded brush or vegetation upon which to lay their eggs. And in low water years they have to just spawn over open lake bottom...where their eggs either suffocate in the silt or are slurped up by carp or other egg munchers. Willard is just ending several years of low water and poor spawning so the population is way down.
The north marina has become popular with the "happy harvesters". It is one spot on the lake that usually has suitable spawning conditions even in low water years. So that is where they congregate...as do the HH crew. It has been observed that some of these folks fill 10 fish limits in their buckets, go home and then return several times in the same day. Disgusting. But DWR does not have the resources or the motivation to shut them down.
Crappie begin gathering for their spawns sometime in late April most years...after water temps top 50 degrees. And fishing gets better as temps top 60. Spawning takes place at about 65. Unlike some species, crappies continue to feed actively even during the spawn so that is when they are most vulnerable...while gathered for love. My personal guideline for max crappie fishing is right around Mothers' Day each year.
The north marina has become popular with the "happy harvesters". It is one spot on the lake that usually has suitable spawning conditions even in low water years. So that is where they congregate...as do the HH crew. It has been observed that some of these folks fill 10 fish limits in their buckets, go home and then return several times in the same day. Disgusting. But DWR does not have the resources or the motivation to shut them down.
Crappie begin gathering for their spawns sometime in late April most years...after water temps top 50 degrees. And fishing gets better as temps top 60. Spawning takes place at about 65. Unlike some species, crappies continue to feed actively even during the spawn so that is when they are most vulnerable...while gathered for love. My personal guideline for max crappie fishing is right around Mothers' Day each year.