As we turn the corner from late winter into early spring, crappie fishing takes priority for most local anglers on the North Shore. Crappie begin spawning in February when the water temperature in the rivers and bayous reaches between 60-65 degrees. This is a popular time to target the fish because they are easy to catch as they move into shallow water from their winter haunts in the main rivers. The North Shore has some of the state's best crappie fishing, and with Louisiana's liberal daily bag limit of 50 fish per person, catching enough fish for a family fish fry is always a possibility.

 

Crappie fishing on The Northshore

What to Look For

The crappie spawn not only provides an opportunity for boat fishermen but bank anglers as well. During February and March, these fish can be found in 2-6 feet of water, which means anyone with a hook and bobber can catch them. Look for structure like fallen trees or shrubs that extend from land into the water. Crappie hold to structure, especially during the spawn when they use submerged wood to attach their eggs.

 

Author Keith Lusher lands crappie in late winter and early spring on The Northshore.

What to Use

Since these fish average between 8-12 inches, there's no need for a heavy rod and reel. Generally, crappie anglers use an ultralight setup with 6-8 pound line. Use a small cork and a 2/0 Aberdeen hook. When fishing along the shoreline during the spawn, I prefer to use a slip cork. This allows the cork to slide down to the hook when cast, making the cork and hook become one and reducing the likelihood of the line getting wrapped around overhanging branches.

When choosing your bait, you can use artificial lures or live bait. The most popular bait in this area of Louisiana is live shiners, but artificial lures also work well. When selecting a lure, it's best to choose ones that measure between 1-2 inches. These are known as micro jigs and are available at most bait shops in St. Tammany Parish.

 

Where to Fish

St. Tammany's many waterways give plenty of options for fishing for crappie, or sac-a-lait.

One of the great things about St. Tammany Parish is the number of tributaries that flow into Lake Pontchartrain. Among the seven rivers and bayous, there are three main waterways you'll want to fish. The most popular crappie fishing destination is the Tchefuncte River, located in Covington and Madisonville. The Tchefuncte is one of the deeper rivers, which bodes well for the crappie population. Another popular destination for early spring crappie is the Pearl River, located in Slidell. The Pearl River is also deep, but you'll want to sneak back into the shallow canals that offer spawning habitat. For those who choose to fish in Lacombe, Bayou Lacombe offers plenty of dead-end canals where crappie can be found during the spawn.

   

Did You Know?

To Louisiana residents living south of Baton Rouge, crappie are known by their French name 'sac-a-lait' (pronounced sack-a-lay), which means 'bag of milk.' The Cajun French name refers to the fish's silvery-white appearance and delicate, milky-white flesh. The term dates back to Louisiana's French colonial heritage and is still used, especially among Cajun anglers, reflecting the deep cultural connection between Louisiana's French roots and its rich fishing tradition.

 

A fish-eye view of fishing for crappie, also known as sac-a-lait.


Story and photos contributed by Keith Lusher, Northshore Fishing Report. For more insights on fishing the Northshore, delivered to your inbox every Friday, sign up for NFR's Weekend Locks newsletter.