Winter is a challenging time for crappie fishing, as the cold water can slow down the fish's metabolism and make them less active and less likely to bite. However, with the right techniques and tactics, you can still have success catching crappie in the winter, especially if you are willing to put in the time and effort to locate and target the fish.

One effective method for catching crappie in the winter is vertical fishing from a dock. This technique involves using a small jig or lure and fishing it vertically under the dock, allowing the bait to move up and down in the water column and attracting the attention of crappie that may be sheltering under the dock.

To start, you will need to locate a dock that is situated over deep, sheltered water where crappie are likely to be holding. You can use a fish finder or depth finder to locate the deeper areas and to see if there are any fish present. Once you have found a good spot, you can start vertical fishing from the dock.

To do this, first rig up your fishing rod with a small jig or lure, such as a 1/8 oz. jig head with a curly tail or minnow-shaped plastic bait. Attach a sinker to the line below the jig to help it sink more quickly and to keep it in the strike zone.

Next, cast your jig under the dock and let it sink to the bottom. Once it is on the bottom, slowly raise your rod tip to lift the jig off the bottom and then let it sink back down again. Repeat this process several times, slowly jigging the jig up and down in the water column.

As you jig the jig, pay attention to the line and watch for any bites or bumps that may indicate a crappie has taken the bait. If you feel a bite, set the hook by quickly reeling in the slack and pulling back on the rod to hook the fish. If you don't feel any bites, continue jigging and moving the jig around under the dock to cover different areas and depths.

Another option for vertical fishing from a dock is to use a jigging spoon or blade bait. These lures have a wobbling, fluttering action that can be very effective at attracting crappie, especially in the colder water of the winter. To use a jigging spoon or blade bait, simply cast the lure under the dock and jig it up and down in the water column, using a jerking motion to create the wobbling action.



Overall, vertical fishing from a dock is a great technique for catching crappie in the winter, as it allows you to target the deeper, sheltered areas where the fish are likely to be holding. By jigging your bait slowly and patiently, you can entice even the most lethargic crappie to bite, and with a little practice, you can become a master of this effective and fun winter fishing technique.