With a front moving into our area again AmWatson and I hit the water around 4:30pm in anticipation of another hot crappie bite. The only thing we found heating up was the surface water temp. Pool 8 is now at 68 degrees, an 8 degree jump from a week ago 
We were still able to squeak a fish fry out of the trip between the two of us, (thanks Wats)! The fish fry being 9-11inch crappies. We started fishing wood in 12FOW. I was about 6ft under my bobber. I started off with a plan hook but changed up to a piece of plastic (pictured here) tip with a minnow, only because Wats was catching nicer fish on a Mini Mite, (rumor has it, Blue Fleck has whooped Wats 
with this bait), I’m sure that had something to do with Wats selection. It was a good choice, for now I also have been whooped 
Not being satisfied with the bite we were on, we slipped into deeper water and did some drifting. I tried a Swedish pimple and was getting bit, by what I’m not sure, I could not get hooked up. We were in 20FOW and we were marking plenty of fish on the LX-5 hanging out suspended anywhere from 8ft to 12FOW. They were not anymore aggressive than what we found to be on wood. Wats Mini Mite still was producing the best bite.
I have to believe the rising water temps had a role in tonights bite. I also believe if you keep your eye on pool 8, when the temps hit 60 again, look out, the crappies will be hot one more time before freeze up 
Did someone say freeze up 
Thanks for letting me bend your ear with another adventure in the boat buddy Wats 
How dare you…
Excellent report. As soon as the night shift guy comes in at 2:30 a.m. Friday morning, I’m off of call and heading to the river for a couple days!!
You couldn’t of asked for a better evening to be on the river
We had a nice calm warm evening to relax and chase after some crappies. The only noise we had was the constant splashing of the shad on the surface. Well, besides the splashing of the many crappie and gills we landed.
I believe it was last year Blue Fleck absolutely schooled me using the Mini-Mites. Since then I have gained a new respect for fishing panfish with plastics. Bret and I both had decent luck with plastics tonight.
If you ever get the chance to fish with Bret, you are in for a good time. He knows the river well and is a great multi-species fisherman.
It was, as always, my pleasure to share a boat with you Bret
Great crappies guys!!!
I know I’m sure looking forward to it next summer!
Hey? You guys weren’t using a “purple” mighty might were you? That’s that secret bait on Lake Zumbro. Someone bought HOF out of those last year and ticked me off. Had a heck of a time finding them after that.
Anyway, I’m stocking up this year.
Nice report guys! Looks like a great time!
I can’t wait, I make a good student
AmWatson was usin a white mini mite with a pink head as I recall. The jig I was using (shown in the pic) is a Rat Finkee with a Grape Wedgee.
Looks like some good eaten there Brett!
Those are the perfect size fish for a fish fry.
JWB
Thanks for the report and pics guys. Nice crappies.
Those Mini-Mites sure are great fish catchers. 
Cheer up Brian, HOF has ALOT more of that color and other hot colors too and he does ship orders. Funny you should mention them Brian. I have a bunch sitting right here in front of me.
Thanks, Bill
good friends, good fish, and good weather on the water! Sounds to me like a very good time. Thanks for the report Bret and Mike.
dave