FISHING REPORT

LAKE OF EGYPT

FALL AND WINTER FISHING FOR CRAPPIE

LAKE OF EGYPT is well known for its great fishing. Whether you choose Bass, bluegill, or crappie you will love the action in the fall and wintertime on the lake. It always goes without saying getting a trained eye in the boat is of benefit. So always consider a guide for your first experiences as each season comes with different strategies to put more fish in the boat.

Crappie fishing on Lake of Egypt is incredibly fun. So many different techniques can be utilized regardless especially in the Fall. As we head into the Fall and winter months lets discuss crappie and techniques that work great.

One of the oldest theories about crappie fishing is that it is best during the spawn. Although this is a popular belief, the fall and winter bite on Lake of Egypt can rival any spawn bite. Tactics in the Fall are in some regards very similar to the spawn. Targeting structure is still key throughout the fall, so make that your priority. The bite typically starts to heat up when the water temperature starts to hit that 70–79-degree mark. You will notice a change in crappie behavior from the summer months. Crappie are no longer tight to structure, rather crappie are starting to aggressively feed again. In doing this they will start to separate (suspend) from structure. The bite is aggressive which of course makes it so much fun. So where do you start looking for crappie in the fall? Crappie go deep for the summer in search of structure, I would start on those same deep piles and move to more shallow structure. Start at 20 feet. If you don’t have any luck there, move into 15-foot water. Again, looking for structure. Continue this process until you find that sweet spot. The bite is aggressive and what’s even better is it tends to be all day long. No longer is it a morning bite. I’ve noticed in my experience that the best bite lasts throughout the day. So, getting up early isn’t always necessary.

As the days get shorter and water temps dip into the 50–60-degree temperature ranges the bite is probably at its peak regarding aggressiveness. Look for days with a low wind (3 – 6 mph). The fish won’t mind you fishing close by as they will be amped up to just about anything you give them. Although the crappie tend to stay in the vicinity of the piles, they are not necessary staying on the piles. This is the transition to winter schooling of crappie that Lake of Egypt is known for. Use a combination of paddle tails, curly tails, or minnow style plastics. Any color jig head will do. Several of these options are available at www.3poundfishing.com.

As the water temp decreases to 50 degrees and below the game changes on Lake of Egypt. No longer are the crappie on structure. Instead, they will school up and look very much like bait balls on Sonar…...but obviously larger in size. This is an

exciting time as you can catch a lot of fish in the coldest months of the year following schools of crappie around. I think this is probably what makes Lake of Egypt the most unique lake in in Southern Illinois.

During the fall on Lake of Egypt here are some of tactics I use. I always start with a casting method over the brush pile or any structure. A lot of active fish will bite on a moving bait in the Fall. Having good technology on your boat allows for you to play the fish and direct the bait to make it more intriguing to the crappie. Once I feel I have gotten through the aggressive fish on the brush piles, I tend to get right on top of them and fish vertical fish. I do this anytime the fish are at least 9 foot or deeper.

Bait choices will differ based on your style. I prefer starting with plastics, like a curly or paddle tail bait. Then I move to hair jigs. I use my own baits available at www.3poundfishing.com. I’m a big believer in profile as the attractant, but a lot of anglers in the area love fishing with live bait as well. The best choice for this is a minnow. Several bait shops located in the area have them. Whether it is a shiner, Rosey red, or a bull nose minnow, the crappie won’t complain…..they love em

There is nothing prettier than Lake of Egypt in the fall. The temps are perfect, and you will see an abundance of wildlife while on the lake. Mix that in with less boats on the water and you truly can appreciate the gem that Lake of Egypt is. As always, I believe that getting a guide is a great start to any experience, so if you are interested in a guide trip you can reach out to 3 Pound Fishing Guide service www.3poundfishing.com and we will get you hooked up on some fantastic crappie fishing. 3poundfishing@gmail.com 618-694-5162n

Thank you for another amazing year! #LAKEOFEGYPTLIVING