What’s the toughest time of year to catch crappie? Survey your buddies who fish year-round and chances are good you’ll find them in total agreement. Finding and catching America’s favorite panfish is most difficult during the summer-to-fall transition period. As summer’s heat gives way to autumn’s comfort, days grow shorter and nights grow longer. The water temperature drops, and as favorable oxygen levels return throughout the water column, crappie start roaming like nomads. One day they’re deep, the next day they’re shallow, and the day after that they’re suspended at mid-depths. Pinpointing schools can be as frustrating as trying to fillet a fish with a butter knife.
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