Anyone out for crappies on Phalen yet?

[Katman]

Heading out to Phalen in the early mornings this Sat. I was wondering if anyone had luck throughout this week at the creeks for crappies? Or if anybody wants to join us out there. We'll probably be the only 2 with a fly rod for crappies out there!

[South_Metro_Slayer]

I heard on that 84 degree day people were hitten them in the creek, but all this cold weather probably pushed them out into the lake, We need a few days of warm weather

[Katman]

Yeah....That was the last I heard. I'm sure sunday will bring some out if any.

[fisherman-andy]

As long as the water temps hit high 50's and mid to low 60's them Crappies should be really active.

They were hiting a couple weeks ago in just low 50 temps.

[hondavxr]

They were hitting pretty good a few weeks ago. But I think the cold drove them back. Actually had some size on some if them. Sunnies were hitting all day long though.

[Johnny_Da_Der]

Good luck with your fly rod on those crappies! What kind of flies do you throw for 'em? I usually throw little poppers for 'gills and bass and will occasionally pick up a crappie or two. I don't think the crappies will hit surface stuff as readily as a bluegill or a bass.

I suspect you are correct that you will be the only ones out with a fly rod. I always catch a load of $#!% from the worm wad and giant bobber crew for being the lone fly caster. I can't tell if they are teasing me for the fly rod or for the waders... I guess they just don't understand how much fun even a 5" bluegill can be with a light weight fly rod!

[Katman]

We use nymphs and a few smaller variations of clousers. All subsurface...nothing on top. I think its bit easier then chucking a minnow with a snap shot. But I have pic'd up a few nice cats by accident with the lead and minnow. Pan fishing with a light fly rod is AWESOME! Give it a try! I'd think tomorrow and/or sunday should be decent. Weather is looking up. Say hi if you see us.

[Johnny_Da_Der]

I hope you have better luck with your fly rod than I did with mine. I fished the little canal system at Phalen from about 5:30 to 8pm and the only fish I caught was a 6" crappie snagged through the back. There were a handful of other people out there and I didn't see anyone catch a fish.

You'll have to let us know how it goes tomorrow morn.

[Katman]

yup. You have to get out there earlier! Beat the crowd. The bit wasn't too great. We were there from about 7:15 to I think 9ish. Hit a total of about 10 crappies. A few decent sizes but the rest were very small. They were all put back. I'm sure someone else took them home later.

[fishinfey8]

yeah, see thats the sad thing...they WILL be kept if they're caught later..i don't understand some people! Don't get me wrong, in the summer when i'm catching them all day long i may keep a couple for a meal but thats it! Even then that's once in awhile...just my thoughts

[BoxMN]

Well, I'll say it openly I like to eat crappies and other fish. I will keep them and eat them. Not all the time, not always (or even usually or often) a limit. And almost always throw the big ones back (my Grandson caught a 23.5" walleye and we kept it to make a meal for his Great Grandpa; usually any walleye over 21-22" goes back). Does keeping small ones or a legal limit make me bad? Does it make anyone else bad for doing the same?

Teaching people to "only keep big ones, and throw the little ones back" has been a much bigger issue than keeping a limit of tiny ones, IMHO. Regardless of specie. Worst than keeping 6 small pike (in two days, of course) is keeping one over 28". Worst than keeping a limit of crappie is keeping a 13" crappie. But those are just my opinions, just like everybody else has.

If you see somebody with over a limit, for sure turn them in. But a legal limit is a legal limit. That's my two cents.

[fishinfey8]

In no way did i mean that your a bad person. Legal limits are set at what they are for a reason. I was just saying its sad that some people catch literally every fish no matter what the size, you would think people could at least practice good sportsmenship if they decide to go fishing.