How do moonlight, wind and rain change the crappie bite?

All three work through light and water clarity. Under a bright moon crappie feed through the night but spread out, and a lantern or submerged light gathers them less well than on a dark night, when it is the only light in the lake. A light chop cuts glare, lets schools ride higher and hides the boat; a hard wind does the opposite of what it does for walleye — it muddies shallow banks, chills spring coves and makes a 1.8 g (1/16 oz) jig impossible to feel, so fish the lee side. Warm, gentle rain is simply extended low light and often good. A cold, heavy rain or muddy runoff pushes schools down and tight to cover — slow down, fish closer, and go to bold contrast.

Browse every question