Plastic jig tails for crappie fishing are colorful and effective in spring, but the problem is that fish can be picky. So anglers need to carry an assortment. Photo by Tony Adams

In Western New York, the end of the ice fishing season can feel a little bittersweet. The augers get put away, the shanties head back to the garage, and anglers start staring at open water like kids waiting for the school bell to ring.

Here’s the good news: when the ice disappears, the crappies wake up. For anglers who appreciate these tasty panfish, once commonly called calico bass, the weeks just after ice-out can offer some of the most exciting fishing of the entire year, especially if you are a shore fisherman. As the last sheets of ice melt away, massive schools of crappie begin moving toward the warmest water they can find. They gather in numbers that sometimes seem unbelievable–hundreds, even thousands of fish cruising together.

Early in the season, they aren’t necessarily thinking about spawning just yet. They’re thinking about two things: warmth and food. They want to eat.

That’s why areas like the canals near the Asheville Bay Marina are often among the first spots to turn on. These sheltered waters warm faster than the main lake, and the crappies slide in looking for comfortable temperatures and easy meals. Shore anglers there often get the first crack at them, which means you don’t need a boat, fancy electronics, or a captain’s license. Just a rod, a pocket of tackle, and maybe boots you don’t mind getting muddy. And yes, those boots will get muddy.

One of the nice perks about fishing in that area is the nearby bait shop that is just steps away. Mike Sperry over at Chautauqua Reel Outdoors Bait and Tackle is usually in the know when the bite starts heating up. It’s worth giving him a call before making the drive so you know whether the fish are merely “thinking about it” or actively chewing. Sperry has live bait (minnows and grubs) and plastic jig tails for crappie, too.

Now let’s talk tactics, because crappie fishing this time of year doesn’t have to be complicated. For decades, crappie anglers have relied on a classic approach: a small hook, a lively minnow, and a simple float. Suspend that minnow just above the depth where the fish are holding and wait for the bobber to dip. It worked way back when, and it still works very well today.

But a lot of anglers skip the minnow bucket these days. Instead, they fish tiny jigs–really tiny jigs–tipped with soft plastic bodies or little colored tails. Think feather-light gear. These miniature offerings resemble the tiny aquatic critters beginning to hatch as water temperatures creep upward. To a hungry crappie, they look like an easy snack. Popular colors include chartreuse, white, pink, and combinations of those. Sometimes the fish are picky, sometimes they’ll hit anything that moves. Part of the fun is figuring out the one color that is best for that day.

A light spinning rod, 6-pound test monofilament line, and a handful of micro-jigs (1/16, 1/32, 1/64 ounce) are really all you need. Cast, let the jig sink, and retrieve it slowly. Very slowly. Crappies are not built for speed; they’re built for snacking. Add a bobber to move the bait even slower.

When you find them, though, things can get silly in a hurry. It’s not unusual to catch one fish after another for long stretches, especially when those big schools move through. Some days, a small cooler isn’t quite big enough, and anglers start eyeing the lunchbox, wondering if it might double as extra fish storage. Those are the really good days.

Just remember that New York State has minimum size limits (10 inches) and daily bag limits (25 per person), so it’s important to keep an eye on the regulations and fish responsibly. The size limit went from 9 inches to 10 inches to help assure a sustainable population across New York State.

While Chautauqua Lake is one of the region’s premier crappie waters, it’s far from the only option. The Cassadaga Lakes, Findley Lake, Silver Lake, Rushford, Cuba, Harwood, New Albion Lake, and countless smaller waterways across the region will soon see crappie schools gathering for their annual spring ritual.

For families, this fishery is especially perfect. Kids don’t need heavy gear, long casts, or endless patience. When the crappies are in, the action can be fast and forgiving. Miss a fish? Another one is probably right behind it. So grab a light rod, tie on something tiny, and prepare for muddy boots.

Spring in Western New York might still feel chilly, but for crappie anglers, it’s the season when the water–and the fun–starts warming up fast.

Gotta Love the Outdoors.

Outdoors Calendar

Mar. 6-8: WNY Sport and Travel Show, Hamburg Fairgrounds, see: https://renmarevents.com/wny-sport-show/.

Mar. 10: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12yrs old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Mar. 14: Spring Meat Raffle, Ellington Rod/Gun, 1045 Hagerdon Hill Rd., Gerry, members only, Info: 716-287-3987.

Mar. 15: Celeron Rod & Gun Club, St. Patrick’s Day Shoot, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 210 E. Livingston Ave., Celeron; info: Jerry Martin, 814-688-9209 Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com at least 10 days in advance.