Crappie

Crappie fishing around Citrus Heights means tapping into the resources of the Sacramento River Delta. While not as widely touted as bass, crappie can be found in good numbers in sloughs and backwater areas with plenty of submerged vegetation and structure. Look for areas with downed trees, weed beds, and docks. Spring is the prime time for crappie, as they move into shallow water to spawn. Small jigs, minnows, and crappie nibbles fished under a bobber are highly effective. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times to fish. Local tip: The Delta's water levels can fluctuate dramatically, so be sure to check the tide charts before heading out. Falling tides often concentrate crappie around structure. Consider using a fish finder to locate schools of crappie. Access to good crappie spots can be found near Walnut Grove or Locke. Also, be mindful of the regulations regarding size and bag limits for crappie in the Delta.