Marshall suggests fishing in the lower ends of large embayments, or main lake coves, near deep water. As lake water warms into the 50s, crappie begin staging for the spawn, and start relating to structure logs, stumps and brushpiles closer to the bottom. Males are the first crappie to come to shallower water. Marshall suggests fishing near laydowns, logs and other wood cover on rock substrate. Black crappie spawn first, prefer clearer water sites and can spawn in 8 to 20 feet of water.
White crappie come up shallow to spawn and prefer stained water.
When water temperatures reach 60 degrees, crappie move to the shallows in mass. Marshall has been an advocate of ultralight tackle for many years. When crappie are shallow, Marshall said a boat can be a hindrance. Marshall fishes rooted aquatic vegetation, boat docks and bridge abutments with equal vigor. He uses a short rod to flip jigs under docks and fish concrete pilings by casting on the shady side and letting the jig slow fall.