Ultimate Guide to Winter Crappie Fishing and Delicious Crappie Chowder Recipes

Winter crappie fishing offers a unique challenge and rewarding experience for anglers who enjoy cold-weather fishing. The colder months change crappie behavior, requiring different tactics and gear to catch these prized panfish. If you have never eaten a Crappie one of our JCO Pro Staff said it best when he called them the "Filey Mignon of the Pond." Once you’ve caught your crappie, turning them into a warm, hearty meal like crappie chowder makes the effort even more satisfying. This guide covers everything you need to know about winter crappie fishing and how to prepare a delicious crappie chowder that will warm you up after a day on the cold windy waters or by the shore.

Our kids learning how to Crappie Fish with JCO Pro Fishing Staff Austin Wallace

Understanding Crappie Behavior in Winter

Crappie are known for their schooling habits and preference for warmer water during spring and summer. In winter, their behavior shifts significantly:

• Move to deeper water: Crappie tend to move to deeper parts of lakes or reservoirs, often 15 to 30 feet deep, where the water temperature is more stable.

• Slow metabolism: Cold water slows their metabolism, so they feed less frequently and are less aggressive.

• Stay near structure: They gather around submerged trees, brush piles, rock piles, or man-made structures for shelter and ambush points. Hence why we love sinking Christmas Trees after the Holidays!

  
  

Knowing these patterns helps anglers target the right spots and adjust their fishing techniques.

Techniques for Catching Crappie in Winter

Winter crappie fishing demands patience and finesse. Here are some effective techniques:

• Vertical jigging: Drop your jig straight down near structure and use slow, subtle lifts to entice bites.

• Slow retrieval: If fishing open water, use a slow, steady retrieve to mimic injured baitfish.

• Use electronics: Scan with a fish finder to locate crappie schools before dropping your bait.

• Fish during warmer parts of the day: Crappie feed more actively when water temperatures rise slightly, often midday.

  
  

Try different jig colors like white, chartreuse, or pink to see what triggers bites.

Preparing Crappie for Cooking

Once you’ve caught your crappie, proper cleaning and filleting are essential for the best taste and texture: Fresh fillets are the foundation for any great crappie recipe.

JCO- Crappie Chowder Recipe

Crappie chowder is a comforting dish that highlights the mild flavor of crappie with creamy, hearty ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients

• 1 dozen crappie fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1-pound sliced bacon, chopped

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 6-8 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 4 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 small stalks celery, diced

• 1 can corn (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

• Shredded Cheese to garnish (Optional)

  
  

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.

2. Add onion, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add diced potatoes, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

4. Stir crappie pieces. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes until fish is opaque and cooked through.

5. Pour in cream, cornstarch, stirring to combine. Heat through but do not boil.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cooked bacon and fresh parsley before serving.

   
   

This chowder pairs well with crusty bread or crackers, and a side salad for a complete meal. Note: I love to cook this in a crockpot on low. Follow directions steps 1-3 for 6 hours on low. Then add steps 4-6 for 30 minutes to 1 hour on high. (This method is great so that the pot and cream don't scorch)

Tips for Perfect Crappie Chowder

• Use fresh crappie fillets for the best flavor.

• Avoid overcooking the fish to keep it tender.

• Adjust thickness by adding more broth or cream based on preference.

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.

• Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day. Flavors soak in!

  
  

Other Crappie Recipe Ideas

If you want to try something different, here are a few other ways to enjoy your winter catch:

• Crappie fish tacos: Lightly bread and fry fillets, then serve with slaw and lime crema.

• Pan-fried crappie: Season fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon, then fry in butter until golden.

• Crappie fish cakes: Mix flaked fish with breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs, then pan-fry until crispy.

• Baked crappie with herbs: Bake fillets with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a healthy option.

  
  

Each recipe highlights the delicate texture and mild taste of crappie.

Enjoy and comment and let us know if you make the Chowder Crappie!

JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond in Chinquapin, NC