Fall crappie are on the move. Maybe their bodies like the cooler water temperatures after the heat stress of summer. Shad movements into shallower water might spark the changes. Or, it could be Mother Nature’s call to eat well because winter is on its way. Whatever the reason, fall is a time when crappie are on the move and looking for a meal. Stumps provide good cover to try when you start your search.

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Stump Factor
A stump to a crappie is like a tree to a deer hunter. A tree allows concealment so it’s easier for the hunter to ambush a deer. A tree also protects from the wind when it’s placed at the hunter’s back. Standing in a wide-open field with no cover is seldom a good option.

For crappie, a stump is a great ambush spot. It not only conceals a crappie so feeding is easier, but it also conceals him from fish that are trying to eat him. Also, crappie will hide and rest behind a stump in calm water when current is moderate.

Fall stumps serve a different purpose than winter stumps. Winter crappie will find a stump or other wood cover and stay there for most of winter. Fall crappie have a tendency to follow baitfish. Any stump in the area where they are feeding can quickly become a temporary home, but they won’t stay there for long periods of time.

Fishing Stumps
Fall fishing allows a wide variety of techniques when targeting stumps. You can cast jigs, cast slip-float rigs, spider-rig, fast troll or vertical jig. Your best option will depend upon water conditions and the depth of the crappie.

Casting is always a good way to catch fish in fall. When crappie are very shallow, casting lets you keep a distance from the fish to avoid spooking them. Fan-casting helps you quickly find the fish. Once you locate them, you can target a specific spot until the action slows. A small spinner or a jig under a float allows you to retrieve with a slow, medium or fast retrieve.

Slip-floats from an anchored boat can be another excellent tactic during fall. You don’t have to worry about boat position and staying on the trolling motor the entire time. You can also make better pinpoint casts when anchored.

Minnows are the best choice for a slip-float rig. You can cast to where the wind or current will take your bait to the stump. It gives a natural presentation
crappie have trouble resisting.

Vertical jigging can be used for a more aggressive attack. One-pole vertical jigging lets you work the top, front, sides and back of a stump in a short period of time. You can fish more stumps this way so your odds are good. The trick is to find enough stumps that typically hold fish in order to stay on a pattern.

No matter what technique you choose, don’t be afraid to hit the stump. It’s best to start on the top and outside areas away from the stump. Next, fish close to the stump, covering all sides. Your last move should be to lay the bait against the stump. You’ll soon discover a pattern, whether the fish are staying 2 feet away from the stumps, on top or nosed tight against them.

Finding the right depth in fall can be difficult. Some experts claim crappie move back into the shallows at this time, while others insist the fish prefer to stay in the middle depths next to deep water. Depending upon your lake, you’ll likely see the crappie move up into the middle depths with short periods of travel into the shallow flats and the backs of coves. Water temperature, light penetration and weather patterns can make a difference.

Keep in mind that the primary fall factor is bait movement. Crappie are feeding so they will follow the schools of baitfish.

Fall fishing can be tough because crappie aren’t stationary. Keep working different areas and depths until you find the crappie and then slow down. Fish all cover, paying special attention to any stumps in the area. If you do, you are likely to have a great day on the lake, enjoying the beauty of fall, the cooler temperatures and biting fish.

FACTORS

Wind — Windy conditions can make boat control a problem and make you quite cold as the season progresses.

Cold Fronts — Crappie become negative after a strong front, so it may take a couple of days for them to return to their normal activity level.

Clouds/Rain/Sun — Fall fishing is difficult to predict when it comes to light penetration. Sometimes overcast skies are good, but most of the time having sunshine is an advantage.

Current — Slow currents are OK. Mild or moderate currents are likely to position the fish on the back side of the stump.

High Water — High water levels are not good in fall. Feeding will continue, but the fish will be scattered.

Fishing Pressure — Many sportsmen hunt during fall, so fishing pressure is not as bad.

Depthfinder Confusion — Don’t be confused when fishing in waters with lots of timber along the bank. When an autumn frost comes, leaves fall into the water, suspend in the water and are moved by currents. They can appear as fish on your locator. Be sure to check the water in fall when you see more fish activity than normal on your locator.

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