By Nick Simonson
The shine of the holidays may be fading into the white blur and chill of winter, but the sparkle can continue all season long at the vise until spring settles in and crappies are on the bite as the water opens and shallows warm. As a child, a story my father would tell me as I’d drift off to sleep in the attic bedroom at the family cabin detailed such a spring outing, where he and my uncle nailed countless slabs one vernal morning on the fly rod, using tiny jigs at the end of his line which he referred to as “crappie queen” patterns.
A search of the internet throughout the time I’ve been tying flies and making lures has come up with a few near hits for the jig he referenced, but no brand name seems to ring a bell with Google for the touted lure from those late-night legends. However, many patterns consisting of a compact body and flashy tail come close to what I suspect the crappie queen was – a simple, sparkly springtime slab slayer – and here and there, some links work the regal moniker into their descriptions.
Through a bit of trial-and-error, experience, and the idea that less is more with these papermouthed panfish, I’ve come up with an effective springtime jig (and fly) pattern that can be used on both light tackle and the long rod and honor the memory of those stories with plenty of my own fish caught on the simple recipe.
MATERIALS
Hook: Collarless Jig Head (1/64-1/16 oz)
Tail: Pinch of Krystal Flash Material
Body: Estaz to Match Tail
Thread: 6/0 White or Color to Match
Begin the pattern by securing the jig in the vise and starting the thread about one third of the way up the hook shank from the bend (1). At that point, tie in a pinch of krystal flash which uniformly covers the shank for a nice even triangular tail (2). Once secured, select four inches of estaz yarn, tie it in and advance the tying thread to just behind the jig head (3). Wrap the estaz up the hook shank, forming a slightly angled body with the thicker portion at the point where the thread is hanging, then secure the estaz yarn with a few wraps of thread (4.) Trim the excess estaz off, wrap it down and whip finish just behind the head to lock everything into place; add a drop of head cement for extra posterity (5).
Fish the jigs on ultralight tackle normally employed for springtime panfishing, or use those 1/64 to 1/32-ounce versions on a fly rod. If you’re feeling like a purist, tying the fly version of the crappie queen is an easy swap too. Simply exchange a streamer hook for the jig and add a bead head if desired. You can tweak the pattern with a wrap of hackle behind the head, a few strands of loose flash down each side tied in at the collar, or other crappie-centric additions you know work well on these fish, making the pattern all the more regal and adding a few extra jewels to the crown in your springtime slab tacklebox, and hopefully some more tales of legendary fishing to share.
Simonson is the lead writer and editor of Dakota Edge Outdoors.
Featured Photo: Hail to the Queen! A small but regal package, the Crappie Queen is shiny and compact – perfect for picking off springtime slab crappies. Simonson Photo.
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