BAD-BITE BACKUP PLAN: Tips for catching crappies
DOUG SMITH, Star Tribune
Brian (Bro) Brosdahl is a northern Minnesota fishing guide who was raised in Brooklyn Center, where he grew up fishing on the Mississippi River. "We always went after panfish,'' he said, "especially crappies.'' Brosdahl, 41, who lives near Cass Lake, runs Bro's Guide Service. Primarily a walleye guide in the summer, he nevertheless loves to fish for panfish. Here are some of his tips:
Alternative to walleyes
The long winter and late spring could mean walleyes will still be spawning when the season opens Saturday, which could make catching them more difficult. "It could really mess up the walleye opener,'' Brosdahl said. An alternative: Pursue panfish.
"This is a classic spring for panfish,'' Brosdahl said.
Deep snow and thick ice likely deprived vegetation of light, killing it, he said. That might force crappies out of the weeds and into basins. "Not necessarily deep basins,'' he said. "What they are finding in the basins are mud, and where there's mud, there's insect life -- zooplankton, bloodworms, mayfly larvae -- and minnows feeding on them. These basins adjacent to their spawning areas will be fantastic.''
Also, if weed beds have been damaged, crappies might go to wild rice or hardstem rushes for cover, so you might check those this spring, Brosdahl said. And look for areas with new vegetation.
Bays are the target
"You want to go where the water warms first: shallow bays, boat harbors and creeks. They're not moving into the shallow, warm water to spawn, they're moving in to feed. It's a feeding binge. They can be very aggressive. This is the best time to get 'em.
"All winter, their primary source of food was insects. In the spring, they'll want to feed on minnows. If you see schools of minnows, you've hit the nail on the head. Because crappies are gluttons.
"I really like places with beaver dams, trees or stumps -- these are fantastic areas that get overlooked. Also, don't overlook really shallow waters. I like to fish them less than 10 feet, and the average depth I'm casting into is 18 inches.''
Calm waters, good fishing
"I like calm water for crappies. You want an area that won't get pounded with heavy winds and waves. That will stir up the water and cool it off. When it gets rough, I've had good bites go downhill. If it's really calm, you'll see minnows breaking the water to escape fish. Then you're in business.
"The nice thing about this time of year is you can fish crappies from a boat or you can wade shoreline. That's a blast because you're right there with them.
"And the nice thing about fishing for crappies that time of year is the sunfish will be in some of the same areas. Use waxies, panfish leeches and tiny bait offerings. Downsize your hook.''
Don't forget other tips
"Never use over 4-pound-test line; I really like 3-pound-test. ... If you're using your walleye fishing gear, tie on a small swivel and then 2 or 3 feet of 3- or 4-pound-test crappie line. Have a net ready. They have paper mouths. You don't want to lift them [out of the water]; they could snap your line.''
• "Ultralight gear turns smaller fish into a major battle. Kids can't go wrong. They just start winding, and the rod bends and sets the hook.''
• "I'd start with a 1/64th-ounce jig or a 1/32nd-ounce. Bring an assortment of colors.''
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