Coolest Catch

Deep-water Crappie Make The Northshore a Winter Fishing Destination.

BY KEITH LUSHER

AS AUTUMN ARRIVES and temperatures begin to drop across St. Tammany Parish, crappie fishing enters one of its most productive phases. Fall and winter offer some of the year's best opportunities to target Louisiana's official state freshwater fish. The Northshore's diverse tributaries provide exceptional crappie fishing during these cooler months, and with Louisiana's liberal daily bag limit of 50 fish per person, filling the cooler for a family fish fry becomes a realistic goal.

The Fall Transition

October and November mark the beginning of what local anglers call "deep jigging season." As water temperatures start their gradual decline, crappie abandon their summer patterns and begin migrating toward deeper waters in the main rivers. This seasonal movement creates some of the most productive fishing of the year as these fish group together in large, concentrated schools.

During fall, crappie can be found around submerged structures like brush piles and treetops in 15 to 20 feet of water. The cooler mornings bring a special quality to the fishing experience, with low-flying ducks overhead and mist rising from the water. Bayou Lacombe, the Tchefuncte River and the East Pearl River come alive with feeding activity as crappie follow massive schools of shad into the deeper channels.

The Winter Pattern

December through February represents the heart of winter crappie fishing, when these fish settle into their coldest-weather patterns. With surface temperatures dropping into the 50s, crappie seek the stability of deeper waters, often holding 12 to 15 feet below the surface in areas 20 to 25 feet deep.

Winter fishing requires patience and persistence, but the rewards can be substantial. The fish form dense concentrations around the river channel structure, making it possible to catch impressive limits once you locate a school. The lack of boat traffic during these cooler months adds to the peaceful experience, allowing anglers to thoroughly work productive areas without distraction.

What To Use

Winter crappie fishing calls for a different approach than the shallow water techniques used during the spawn. A longer jig pole, typically 9 to 10 feet, paired with 8- to 10-pound fluorocarbon line, works well for deep-water fishing. Small jigs in the 1/16- to 1/32-ounce range are effective, with popular colors including white, chartreuse and combinations that mimic the shad these fish are feeding on.

Many anglers add a small split shot about a foot above their jig to help get the bait down quickly and make it easier to track on electronics. Live shiners remain a reliable backup option when artificial lures aren't producing.

Where To Fish

The key to winter success lies in fishing the main rivers rather than the shallow cuts and canals that produce during warmer months. The Tchefuncte River, located in Covington and Madisonville, remains the most popular destination due to its depth and structure. The Pearl River near Slidell offers excellent deep-water opportunities, while Bayou Lacombe provides a more intimate setting for those willing to search for the deeper holes and channel bends.

Fall and winter crappie fishing on The Northshore offers a unique opportunity to not only catch loads of crappie, but also to take in the picturesque gray cypress foliage that many visitors don't get a chance to witness. This quieter season allows anglers to experience Louisiana's fishing culture as the focus shifts from the excitement of shallow-water action to the pursuit of deep-water schools.

Keith Lusher