SpeciesIntermediate
Ice Fishing for Crappie
Learn to locate and catch suspended crappie with specialized tactics for these delicious panfish.
7 min readUpdated December 1, 2024
In This Guide
Introduction
Crappie present a unique challenge through the ice because they often suspend in the water column rather than relating to the bottom. Finding them requires patience, mobility, and ideally electronics. Once located, they're willing biters that offer excellent eating.
Finding Suspended Fish
Unlike bluegill that tend to stay near structure, crappie frequently suspend at various depths in open water. Key strategies include:
- Use a flasher or sonar to locate fish in the water column
- Drill multiple holes and check different depths
- Basin areas of 20-30+ feet often hold schools
- Fish may be 5-15 feet below the ice even in deep water
Pro Tips
- Electronics are nearly essential for crappie success
- Mark the depth where you catch fish - schools often hold at consistent depths
- Be mobile - if fish aren't there, move to find them
Presentation
Crappie have soft, paper-thin mouths that require finesse:
- Use light line (2-4 lb) and small jigs (1/32-1/16 oz)
- Slow, subtle jigging actions work best
- Small plastics and hair jigs are effective
- Tip with waxworms or small minnows
Important
- Set the hook gently to avoid tearing the crappie's soft mouth
- Use a light drag setting when fighting fish
Tags
crappiepanfishsuspended fishelectronics