Spring crappie fishing on metro-area lakes can be outstanding if you’re using the right soft plastics. As water temps rise and crappies slide into shallow bays, canals, and weed edges, subtle presentations and natural profiles consistently outproduce everything else. For clients fishing with me on metro lakes in spring, three soft plastic styles dominate: paddle tails, baby shads, and tubes. Paddle Tail Soft Plastics Small paddle tail plastics are deadly during spring because they provide action at slow speeds. In cold to mid-40s water temperatures, crappies want a bait that moves without being overworked. A 1.5–2 inch paddle tail rigged on a light jig head creates just enough thump to trigger bites when fish are staging along emerging weeds or suspended near docks. Best colors: white, pearl, chartreuse, and natural shad Best retrieves: slow swim or steady glide through cover Baby Shad Plastics Baby shad-style soft plastics are a staple for spring crappie fishing on pressured metro lakes. Their slim profile closely matches young-of-the-year baitfish and insects crappies feed on early in the season. These plastics excel when fish are neutral or lightly negative, especially in clear water conditions. Best rigging: cast and slow retrieve or slow pendulum swing under a float Where they shine: weed edges, falllen timber, and basin transitions Tube Jigs for Spring Crappies Tube jigs remain one of the most versatile soft plastics for spring crappie fishing. Their hollow body and subtle tentacle movement make them perfect for cold fronts and finicky fish. Tubes are especially effective when pitched into shallow cover like reeds, brush, or boat slips. Ideal sizes: 1–1.75 inches Top colors: black/chartreuse, pink/white, glow Final Thoughts Matching soft plastics to spring crappie behavior is key to consistent success on metro lakes. Paddle tails cover water, baby shads shine in finesse situations, and tubes catch fish when nothing else will. If you want to shorten the learning curve and stay on active crappies all spring long, fishing these soft plastics the right way makes all the difference. Looking to dial in your spring crappie bite? Book a guided trip and fish proven metro-lake patterns from ice-out through post-spawn.

Where to Find Spring Crappies in Minnesota Metro Lakes Spring is prime time for crappie fishing in the Minnesota metro area. As ice-out arrives and water temperatures creep into the low-to-mid 40s, crappies begin their predictable spring migration. Knowing where to look in metro lakes can mean the difference between a slow day and a full livewell. Early Spring Crappie Locations (Ice-Out to Pre-Spawn) Right after ice-out, crappies move shallow—but not randomly. In Twin Cities metro lakes, focus on: North-facing bays that receive the most sunlight Shallow flats (4–8 feet) near deeper basin access Dark-bottom areas that warm faster Emerging weeds, reeds, and cattails Metro lakes warm quickly compared to northern Minnesota waters, so crappies often push shallow earlier than many anglers expect. Best Structure to Target in Metro Lakes Spring crappies relate heavily to structure during warming trends. Productive areas include: Submerged brush piles Fallen trees near shore Docks and boat lifts Riprap shorelines Channel edges entering spawning bays On calm, sunny days, crappies will slide extremely shallow. During cold fronts, they often back out slightly to nearby breaks or suspend off structure. Water Temperature Matters More Than Depth In spring, water temperature is more important than depth. Once temps hit 48–55°F, crappies stage near spawning areas. When temperatures approach the low 60s, they move into spawning pockets with minimal current and protection from wind. Best Metro Lakes for Spring Crappies Many Minnesota metro lakes offer excellent spring crappie fishing, especially those with: Healthy shallow vegetation Soft-bottom bays Limited water clarity (warms faster) Pressure can be heavy, but fish behavior stays consistent year after year. Spring Crappie Fishing Tips Fish slow and shallow Use light jigs, plastics, or live minnows Watch your electronics for suspended fish Be mobile—crappies roam in spring Final Thoughts Spring crappie fishing in Minnesota metro lakes is short, aggressive, and incredibly productive if you know where to look. Target warming shallow water, key structure, and adjust daily based on conditions. If you want to maximize your spring bite, fishing with a local guide can shorten the learning curve and put you on fish fast. Book a spring crappie trip now and take advantage of the best bite of the year.

April is one of the best months for crappie fishing on metro-area lakes, especially as ice-out transitions into early spring patterns. As water temperatures climb into the low-to-mid 40s, crappies move shallow and become highly predictable—if you know where to look. 1. Shallow Bays with Dark Bottoms In early spring, crappies seek out shallow bays that warm quickly, especially those with dark, muddy bottoms. These areas absorb heat faster and attract baitfish, making them prime feeding zones. Focus on bays protected from strong winds, particularly on the north and northwest sides of metro lakes. 2. Channel Edges and Creek Inflows Metro lakes with creek inflows, culverts, or connecting channels are crappie magnets in April. Slight current brings warmer water and food, pulling crappies out of deeper winter basins. Target the first break outside the inflow before fish push extremely shallow later in the month. 3. Emerging Weed Lines As weeds begin to grow, crappies stage along new cabbage and coontail growth in 3–6 feet of water. These areas offer cover and easy ambush points. Metro lakes with healthy weed growth often produce consistent April crappie bites well before the spawn. 4. Docks and Shallow Cover On pressured metro lakes, docks, brush piles, and fallen trees provide crucial structure in April. Crappies use this cover to stay shallow while avoiding predators. Target sunny afternoons when fish slide tight to cover. Final Tip for April Crappies Water temperature matters more than the calendar. When surface temps hit 45–50°F, crappies will be shallow and aggressive. Light jigs, slip floats, and slow presentations are key to consistent success. If you want to maximize your time on the water and stay on active fish, booking a guided crappie trip on metro lakes in April can shorten the learning curve and put more slabs in the boat.