What feeding behavior results from white crappie following the vertical migration of zooplankton in clear systems?
Answer
Anglers must drastically adjust depth between dawn and noon
In many deep, clear water systems, a specific ecological interaction occurs where zooplankton undergo vertical migration. These microscopic animals ascend toward the surface layer during nighttime hours and then descend to deeper water levels during the daytime to evade visual predators. White crappie that are actively feeding on this plankton bloom are compelled to follow this movement. Therefore, an angler attempting to target crappie feeding on zooplankton must be prepared to alter the depth of their presentation significantly between the early morning period and noon to stay positioned near their primary energy source.
Related Questions
What is the exclusive initial food source for white crappie fry when they first hatch?What larger prey do juvenile white crappie actively target during their critical dietary shift?Which three primary categories dominate the core diet of mature white crappie?What crustacean often provides the most consistent source of protein for adult white crappie?In clearer southern impoundments where threadfin shad are abundant, what percentage of diet can small shad constitute for large crappie?Compared to their relative, the black crappie, what water clarity condition do white crappie generally prefer?During which periods of the day do white crappie typically exhibit their most aggressive feeding activity?What feeding behavior results from white crappie following the vertical migration of zooplankton in clear systems?What general rule governs bait size selection when trying to catch small crappie versus large 'slabs'?If aquatic insects are the primary food source for white crappie, what jig colors tend to be most effective during summer months?Why do white crappie exhibit a clear preference for larger meals like a single minnow over many small zooplankters?