I make maribou(feathered) crappie jigs(typically 1/16-1/32 ounces). For 25 years, I only used all white, or all yellow. Then I started experimenting with colors(the last 25!), using, orange, red, Blue, Pink, purple, etc and the fish seemed to think(if they resembled a meal/minnow)! they eagerly ate them! Now I frequently mix colors in tied feathers, and also ithe jig heads. Seems the inate “swimming action“ of maribou feathers in the water is the most important factor! For plastics, any color(or shape) that “resembles” a minnow(keepthem “small”) is just fine to use(I occasionally use them, esp. with metal flakes in them!). Always keep the jig moving, however slightly, fished plain or under a weighted bobber just large enough to float a small jig and still be seen clearly, my preferred method!(I cast it to cover, or open water when in “search” mode! Normally 3 ft from bobber if in shallower, 5-6 ft if searching. Reel back slowly, chop on the water from light wind makes maribou “Magic”!)
ps-Many folks(successfully!) only use minnows under a float for crappie! I cannot remember the last time I “bought” minnows for crappie fishing! You will come to love Jigs with a bit of experience!

 

it varies on what Crappie want that day I've had good luck with a white curly tail Ice out is another favorite just don't be afraid to try different colors for success my favorite crappie rig is Live bait Minnows under a slip rig but sometimes plastic works better IMO

 

These are my only go to jigs for both Crappie and Saugeye . All in 1/16 oz.
Sometimes they like them as they are, and sometimes I tip with a minnow. Always used without a bobber.

 

Just decided to try fishing for Crappie this Spring, and wondered what size jigs & bait colors you guys/gals normally use. ... Anyway, what are your favorite jig sizes and baits, if I might ask?

Suggest you read through the "Favorite crappie plastic" thread in the N.E. section here: Favorite crappie plastic

 

I make maribou(feathered) crappie jigs(typically 1/16-1/32 ounces). PFor 25 years, I only used all white, or all yellow. Then I started experimenting with colors(the last 25!), using, orange, red, Blue, Pink, purple, etc and the fish seemed to think(if they resembled a meal/minnow)! they eagerly ate them! Now I frequently mix colors in tied feathers, and also ithe jig heads. Seems the inate “swimming action“ of maribou feathers in the water is the most important factor! For plastics, any color(or shape) that “resembles” a minnow(keepthem “small”) is just fine to use(I occasionally use them, esp. with metal flakes in them!). Always keep the jig moving, however slightly, fished plain or under a float(my preferred method)!
ps-Many folks(successfully!) only use minnows under a float for crappie! I cannot remember the last time I “bought” minnows for crappie fishing! You will come to love Jigs with a bit of experience!

it varies on what Crappie want that day I've had good luck with a white curly tail Ice out is another favorite just don't be afraid to try different colors for success my favorite crappie rig is Live bait Minnows under a slip rig but sometimes plastic works better IMO

These are my only go to jigs for both Crappie and Saugeye . All in 1/16 oz.
Sometimes they like them as they are, and sometimes I tip with a minnow. Always used without a bobber.
View attachment 507129

Thanks guys, I'm going to make myself up a bunch of jigs in 1/16 and 1/32 oz heads and try them all Guess that standing timber is the best area to try. Probably a little early now, so may start in deeper water until things warm up - then move to 10-15fow and try my luck. Got a new spinning rod medium lite - fast action I'll try on the papermouths.

 

For me water clarity plays a huge rule in what colors I’m gonna try first that particular day on that particular body of water. I have a few different lakes I typically fish and even with the same clarity I have different go-to lures on each body of water. I typically use 1/16 for casting and 1/32-1/4 oz for jiggin. All depends on the depth, time of year, size of plastics and how fast I want the jig to fall.

 

My favorite Bobby Garland baby shad colors are Monkey Milk and Blue Ice in clearer water, and bolder more solid colors in stained water. I fish these on a 1/16 oz jig.

 

Here is a good channel to follow for Crappie tips...
Richard Gene The Fishing Machine - YouTube

 

Don’t overlook the Bobby Garland itty bit on a 1/32 oz jighead. These produce some excellent results on slow days. Fished under a bobber, casting or drifting, they work great. Tip with crappie nibbles or waxworm/ maggots for even better results. Get them in your favorite colors. Got these last week on a blue ice.

 

That Blue Ice sounds nice good catch!