Your Fishing Escape

Lake Fork is considered one of the best lake to fish in Texas. The lake’s underwater structure, cover, and great vegetation make Lake Fork the perfect fish habitat for Crappie.

Another reason fishing is good on Lake Fork is the amount of time and effort put into it by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division. Lake Fork officially opened for fishing in 1980, but was stocked with fish for a number of years before then.

Black and White Crappie

Black Crappie are known by a variety of common names, such as Black Crappie, Papermouth, Black Papermouth, Specks, and Black Sunfish. The scientific name is Pomoxis nigromaculatus.

White Crappie are known by a variety of common names, such as White Crappie, White Perch, Sac-a-lait. The scientific name is Pomoxis Annularis.

You can identify black crappie by closely examining their bodies. . The bodies of Black Crappie have a deeper, darker color, and are covered in spots of blotches of black. You can tell the difference by tracing these blotches. Black Crappie’s spots will be randomly placed, while White Crappie will have vertical bands of spots. The most noticeable characteristic is the dorsal fins, Black Crappie with have either 7 or 8.

Crappie are one of the few fish that are a suitable catch for all ages. Your four year old daughter as well as your eighty year old mother can enjoy fishing for and catching Crappie, simply because they are able to do so. Crappie do not hit hard when taking bait, and put up little struggle when being reeled in.

Lake Fork’s current regulation on black and white crappie all crappie under 10 inches must be released…daily bag limit of 25. Lake Fork’s current regulation on black and white crappie caught from Dec. 1 through the last day of Feb., there is no Minimum Length Limit, daily catch can equal 25 in any combination, and all crappie caught must be retained.

Planning a Vacation to Lake Fork

Requirements

While pretty much everything you need for your fishing vacation can be rented, there are a few things that you are required to have, and obtain on your own.

Anyone fishing during the vacation must purchase a fishing license. Fishing licenses can be picked up at various locations such as bait shops, convenience stores, department stores, outdoors and wildlife stores, and you may even obtain it online if you see fit. There are exceptions for the fishing license requirement, such as age, so be sure to check into this.

The requirements for keeping fish you catch vary by season and area. To make sure you do not get into any trouble, you may want to obtain a pamphlet detailing the size regulations for each type of fish. Typically you will receive this when you apply for you fishing license. In the event that you do not receive this pamphlet, they are usually available wherever fishing equipment is sold.

Probably one of the most important things you need to obtain is a proper first aide kit. When fishing, you can be miles from the nearest person or place, so having a couple of items on hand is essential. Accidents such as a small prick from a hook or cut from a fish simply requires a band aid and antibacterial ointment. Small prepackaged first aide kits are available.

Geneva Lake is the largest lake in Wisconsin at 5,262 acres, 2.1 miles wide, 21 miles around, and second deepest lake in Wisconsin, at 135 feet deep.

Lake Geneva Vacation

Crappie are one of the few fish that are a suitable catch for all ages. Your four year old daughter as well as your eighty year old mother can enjoy fishing for and catching Crappie, simply because they are able to do so. Crappie do not hit hard when taking bait, and put up little struggle when being reeled in.

If you are considering a vacation on Lake Geneva, you will have several options available to you.

Requirements

While pretty much everything you need for your fishing vacation can be rented, there are a few things that you are required to have, and obtain on your own.

Anyone fishing during the vacation must purchase a fishing license. Fishing licenses can be picked up at various locations such as bait shops, convenience stores, department stores, outdoors and wildlife stores, and you may even obtain it online if you see fit. There are exceptions for the fishing license requirement, such as age. If a child 15 years old or younger will be fishing with an adult, then no license is needed.

The requirements for keeping fish you catch vary by season and area. To make sure you do not get into any trouble, you may want to obtain a pamphlet detailing the size regulations for each type of fish. Typically you will receive this when you apply for you fishing license. In the event that you do not receive this pamphlet, they are usually available wherever fishing equipment is sold.

Probably one of the most important things you need to obtain is a proper first aide kit. When fishing, you can be miles from the nearest person or place, so having a couple of items on hand is essential. Accidents such as a small prick from a hook or cut from a fish simply requires a band aid and antibacterial ointment. Small prepackaged first aide kits are available.

Accommodations

No matter the size of your family, Lake Geneva has rental accommodations that will suit your needs.

For a small vacation, there are an abundance of local hotels in the area. Each hotel has it’s unique features, so be sure to check into each one.

For a larger or more themed vacation, you may want to consider renting a local cabin, cottage, or house. These homes often offer a number of amenities such as: fully furnished units, lake views, docks and piers, and recreational areas. The prices, sizes, and amenities vary from home to home, so make sure to research what would be best for you.

Long before setting off at the early tournament start time, you must start preparing for the tournament. If you go into a tournament blindly, you chances of winning anything is slim.

You will want to arrive a least of couple of days earlier then the tournament. During the few days before the tournament, pre fish the water in which the tournament will be held. Change the area in which you fish, and the bait you are using frequently. This way, you will be knowledgeable of the area, where the crappie are currently, and what bait they are biting.

First, you must find out what the fish are biting. This can be accomplished a number of ways. We have already talked about pre fishing the area. When pre fishing, make sure to frequently change bait colors, types, and sizes. This way, you will be sure to fully take advantage of pre fishing. Another way is to do research on the area. Most areas typically have a website that posts information about the area. If a website is not available, you may consider calling the local parks and wildlife office. If nothing else is available, consider talking to employees at local outdoors stores and bait shops.

Be sure to follow the rules of the tournament during your pre fishing, and when you are choosing your equipment. Fishing with restricted baits, or during tournament off times will not help you learn the knowledge you need, which in turn will not help you potentially win.

Make It A Family Vacation

Since you will be gone for a couple of days, you may want to consider turning it into a family vacation. You will not be restricted to fishing the whole time. The areas in which the tournaments are held are typically full of unique family activities.

Most tournaments allow minors to join, and may even have special prizes for different age groups. Check into each tournament as their changes from one to the next. Fishing with your son or daughter during a tournament might be a great bonding experience.

A Few Crappie Tournament Super Events

So now that you have learned to fish for Crappie efficiently, you may want to consider visiting your first Crappie tournament. Being that many of these tournaments take place in the latter part of 2007, you will have plenty of time to prepare and practice. Preparing and participating in a tournament can be worthwhile, as the payout for some of these events is a guaranteed $10,000 or more.

Crappie USA was established in 1996 to make family oriented tournaments available for anglers to enjoy. National sponsors recognize this company as one of the top promotional marketing companies around relating to this type of industry.

It established different divisions to separate male, females, adults and children within the tournaments to promote family fishing by making a special division for each group. The idea behind these divisions was to make it possible for families to enjoy tournament fishing together.

Entering tournaments provide anglers with an opportunity to compete with others for some great prizes. It is fun, exciting and very rewarding. Thanks to crappie USA entering tournaments can now be enjoyed by the whole family and by anglers of all skill levels. There are tournaments designed for amateurs who are still learning the basics and for the advanced angler who is ready to do some serious crappie fishing.

There are even special events called super tournaments that are designed especially for those who are looking for more competition than the advanced tournaments have to offer. Learning more about the tournaments and how to enter into them is easy. Just visit their online site and you will have access to all the information you need.

Tips for Entering USA Tournaments

There are two ways of entering USA tournaments that are fast and easy. You can pick up an entry form from any major tackle shop located in your area. Fill it our and mail it in to the address located on the form. You can also go online to their website and enter there. This is the fastest and easiest way to enter the tournaments.

You will have to be an ACA member before you can register to be in one of these tournaments so if you are not a member already you will need to become one. This is not very difficult to do, in fact there is a space on the site that allows you to fill out some information and become a member. Taking care of all of this in advance will ensure you a place in the tournament of your choice.

Make sure that you go over all the rules and regulations of the tournaments before entering so you know exactly what you are suppose to do and when. This is a very important step that will save you a lot of headaches on the day of the tournament and help to make everything go smoothly. It is vital that you are prepared for the tournament as well so, before the big day you should make sure everything is in order.

You will need to make sure you have your fishing license and that it is updated. Go through your gear and do a double check to make sure you have everything ready that you want to take with you. Be sure and take extra equipment with you just in case, you never know what might happen during a tournament. It is for this reason that it is always a good idea to pack rain gear and an extra set of clothing as well.

Florida’s statewide abundance of fishing resources makes it one of the most popular places to plan a fishing vacation.

Types of Crappie in Florida Waters: Both Black Crappie and White Crappie can be found in Florida waters, though the Black Crappie are more predominate.

The State Record for Black Crappie is 3 pounds, 13 ounces. Black Crappie prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees, and deeper, slow moving waters.

White Crappie also prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees. White Crappie prefer darker, murky waters, with ample amounts of cover available.

Rules and Regulations on Crappie in Florida : To fish in Florida, you must be a resident for no less then six months prior to purchasing your fishing license. None fishing licensees are also available. All military personnel and their families that are stationed in Florida are consider Florida residents, no matter the length of time in which they have been in Florida.

You can purchase licenses at any county tax collectors or at any of their subagents. Subagents can generally be found in tackle and bait shops, fish camps, sporting goods stores, and larger department stores that have outdoor sections. When purchasing your license from a subagent, it is typically about 50 cents more. The prices are set by the Florida Legislature.

A total of 25-30 Crappie can be taken per day, depending on the area in which you are fishing. This is a strict rule enforced by local game rangers, and strong punishments come with breaking this rule, so be careful and keep count!

Florida Hot Spots : LAKE KISSIMMEE- Lake Kissimmee is a large rectangular lake, spreading over 35,000 acres. Lake Kissimmee stretches from State Route 60 north along the western edge of Osceola County. The typical depth is somewhat shallow, at only 10 feet deep. The lake has a number of recognizable islands, such as Stern, Rabbit, Ox, Bird and, the largest of them all, Brahma Island.

Lake Kissimmee does not require any special techniques or equipment to catch Crappie. Instead, a pole of your choice, whether it be a cane pole or standard 10 ft fiberglass pole, small hooks, and corks will do the trick. Live bait such as crickets and earthworms may be your best bet.

Fisherman must beware of bad weather on Lake Kissimmee. Because of the size of the lake, and how shallow the lake is, even the smallest wind gusts of 10 to 15 miles per hour can kick up some high waves, which could potentially be dangerous to fisherman in smaller boats. On days when wind is present, it may be better to fish onshore, or use a boat that is larger and more stable.

You will find that Louisiana is a great place to go if you want to catch crappie. The waters in this state are the prefect habitat for this species but, what do you do if you are not familiar with the area? It can be difficult finding the best places to go and where all the hot spots are so you can have the most success.

Anytime you go to a new location the easiest way to find the best fishing places is to hire a guide. With so many crappie fishing guide services available you shouldn’t have any problem finding one that can fulfill your needs. The biggest problem you may have will be choosing the Louisiana crappie fishing service that can benefit you the most.

Some Things to Consider

When you choose to use a guide to help you go fishing for crappie in Louisiana you will find that there are many benefits associated with them. The question that you need to be concerned with is which ones of these benefits will help you the most. Start by asking yourself what you expect to get out of the fishing trip and what you would like the crappie fishing guide to do for you. Then talk to the different services to see which one of them come the closest to providing you with what you are searching for.

One thing that most all crappie fishing guide services provide is the equipment needed to go fishing. This usually includes covering the fishing license as well. If you are just visiting Louisiana for awhile this is very important. If you can fish off of their license then you will not have to worry about getting things in order before you can go out on the water. It will also prevent you from having to carry around a lot of equipment if you are limited for space.

Before you make a decision as to which guide to use it is always best to meet them in person. You have to consider that the guide you choose is someone that you will be spending the day with. Therefore, it needs to be someone that you feel comfortable with and enjoy talking to. Otherwise, you are going to feel uncomfortable and the trip is going to be ruined.

Sometimes the weather can be very uncooperative in Louisiana. What happens if the trip gets canceled after you have paid for the service? Will they refund your money, reschedule your trip or do you lose the money you have already paid?

If you are only visiting for a few days, rescheduling may not be an option for you.

Your level of experience will also determine which crappie fishing guide service you should use. If you are an experienced angler, then you don’t want a guide that has less experience than you do. On the hand, if you are fairly new to crappie fishing then you don’t want to spend the day with a guide that is constantly using terms or saying things that you do not understand. Either one of these scenarios can be very annoying and ruin what could have been a great fishing trip.

Fishing crappie in NC can produce some real winners, especially in the spring, when large crappie are beginning to spawn and are readily available in shallow areas of the lakes. What are the best locations in North Carolina, and during what months of the year do each produce the best catch?

During the spring, there are few lakes, ponds, rivers, reservoirs, or any other body of fresh water where crappie are not in great supply. During the pre-spawn run in early spring and the spawning season throughout the rest of spring, you’ll find an incredible amount of action on any area lakes. Crappie fishing, however, is best in particular areas of the state.

Lake Wylie is a 13,000+ acre impoundment off Catawba River that is on the border between South and North Carolina. Fishing here can produce two-plus pound crappie even on a bad day. Year after year, avid anglers return to this spring crappie hot spot and catch their limits daily. However, even in the winter, Lake Wylie has begun to produce an excellent crop of fish. Year-round crappie fishing is a huge sport in the area; know that the best spots in the winter and early spring are the deep docks in the lower half of the lake around the mouths of the major creeks that break off the lake.

Another popular location for crappie fishing in NC is Buggs Island, which is officially called John H. Kerr Reservoir. Spread out over more than 50,000 acres, this impoundment contains an incredible crappie population and can be fished, as well as south of the border in some places. The crappie here are large and well fed, and you’ll always find a great catch regardless of the fact that there is no limit. There is a tremendous amount of cover along the banks that crappie prefer as a hiding and resting place. In NC, fishing is still excellent in the winter, when trolling should be used to achieve the best possible results. Beware of changing water levels, though – while the change strikes movement in crappie that stirs up activity, it also means inconsistency in the level at which you’ll find your best catch.

If you plan to participate, you’ll want to read up on the most appropriate techniques by season. In most lakes, if you choose to spend some time in winter, you’ll want to attempt trolling, as this is the only real way to catch the eye of the somewhat languid fish that are practically hibernating on the bottom of the lake.

Are you thinking of crappie fishing in Washington but you want to know exactly how to do so successfully and like the pros? When we think of crappie, all fishermen don’t think of Washington first but if you live in this great state, you may already know that there are actually many great bodies of water for fishing for freshwater crappie of all sizes.

About Washington Crappie

Crappie are actually found in all of the continental states. They are a member of the sunfish family and they enjoy freshwaters such as ponds and lakes all over the country. Depending on where in the world you are from, crappie are known by many different names such as goggleye, bridge perch, paper mouth and speckled perch.

The state record for black crappie in Washington was caught from Lake Washington and the state record for white crappie was caught in the Columbia River at

Burbank Slough.

Types of Crappie

There are many different types of crappie and most all species can be found in Washington. The two main classifications of crappie are the white and the black. Black crappie, as the name suggests is usually darker and they have seven or eight dorsal spines and spotted sides. They are much more common in the northern states like Washington and are usually found in deeper waters such as river impoundments.

White crappie are more commonly found in southern states but some species are fished in Washington as well. They are lighter in color than the black crappie and they have only six dorsal spines. They may have eight or nine vertical bands on their sides. They enjoy the calmer, quieter backwaters. Both types can grow over five pounds but the average is more like one to three pounds.

Great Washington Crappie Waters

So now that you know about the great crappie that can be found in Washington, are you wondering about the best bodies of water to find them in? The great thing about crappie is that they can be found in most any freshwater location. However, there are some lakes and ponds that are especially known for having a lot of crappie or record-sized crappie in them.

Some Washington places known for great crappie fishing are:

Alder Lake

Banks Lake

Franklin D Roosevelt Lake

Lake Umatilla (John Day)

Lake Wallula (McNary)

Palmer Lake

Potholes Reservoir

Riffe Lake

Spirit Lake

Vancouver Lake.

Washington will affect the type of techniques you use. Spring is commonly the best time to fish for crappie, even in Washington. They most often spawn at this time and they spend more time in shallower waters. When you find a crappie hot spot this is the ideal time to stay at it and fish as long as you can.

In summer, it is best to fish for Washington crappie in the morning or evening hours. You may need to fish deeper in the waters, sometimes as far as 35-40 feet to find crappie. Try fishing with live bait, crappie jigs and spoons.

Tennessee has thousands of acres and miles of nature freshwater sources which are full of both Black Crappie and White Crappie. And if you enjoy fishing for crappie, you will never be at a loss for a great fishing spot.

The State Record for Black Crappie is 4 pounds, 4 ounces. Black Crappie prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees, and deeper, slow moving waters.

The State Record for White Crappie is 5 pounds, 1 ounces. White Crappie also prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees. White Crappie prefer darker, murky waters, with ample amounts of cover available.

Tennessee Fishing Rules and Regulations

Anyone over the age of 13 must possess a fishing license when fishing on any public water system in Tennessee. The only exemptions to this is people born before 1926, active military personal (provided that they carry a copy of their leave papers), and when fishing on free fishing day. You are considered a resident of Tennessee as long as you have resided in Tennessee for a period longer then 90 days. All others will be considered none-residents.

Free fishing day is held every year on June 10th. You have the ability to fish without purchasing a license all day, as long as you still follow Tennessee’s rules and regulations.

Tennessee is unlike other states, as it places certain restrictions on fishing with anything other then normal rod and reel combinations. Explosives, chemicals and electrical shocking devices are strictly forbidden, and their use carries heavy penalties. Shootings and Bow fishing is also prohibited in Tennessee.

Tennessee Hot Spots

REELFOOT LAKE- Reelfoot resembles a large farm pond, with cover such as cypress trees, stumps, lily pads, and other submerged objects. This lake is literally loaded with fallen timber and logs. The amount of cover provided allows the Crappie to reach substantial sizes.

Due to how shallow the lake is, and the amount of submerged items, you may want to consider fishing in something other then a fiberglass boat. It is recommended that you use an aluminum boat, and only travel at slow speeds.

If you are considering a trip to Reelfoot Lake, you can find out more information by contacting Blue Bank Lodge out their website. In addition to a Tennessee fishing license, anglers need a Reelfoot Preservation Permit, which ranges from $3.50 for one day to $17 for the year.

Tennessee has thousands of acres and miles of nature freshwater sources which are full of both Black Crappie and White Crappie. And if you enjoy fishing for crappie, you will never be at a loss for a great fishing spot.

The State Record for Black Crappie is 4 pounds, 4 ounces. Black Crappie prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees, and deeper, slow moving waters.

The State Record for White Crappie is 5 pounds, 1 ounces. White Crappie also prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees. White Crappie prefer darker, murky waters, with ample amounts of cover available.

Tennessee Fishing Rules and Regulations

Anyone over the age of 13 must possess a fishing license when fishing on any public water system in Tennessee. The only exemptions to this is people born before 1926, active military personal (provided that they carry a copy of their leave papers), and when fishing on free fishing day. You are considered a resident of Tennessee as long as you have resided in Tennessee for a period longer then 90 days. All others will be considered none-residents.

Free fishing day is held every year on June 10th. You have the ability to fish without purchasing a license all day, as long as you still follow Tennessee’s rules and regulations.

Tennessee is unlike other states, as it places certain restrictions on fishing with anything other then normal rod and reel combinations. Explosives, chemicals and electrical shocking devices are strictly forbidden, and their use carries heavy penalties. Shootings and Bow fishing is also prohibited in Tennessee.

Tennessee Hot Spots

REELFOOT LAKE- Reelfoot resembles a large farm pond, with cover such as cypress trees, stumps, lily pads, and other submerged objects. This lake is literally loaded with fallen timber and logs. The amount of cover provided allows the Crappie to reach substantial sizes.

Due to how shallow the lake is, and the amount of submerged items, you may want to consider fishing in something other then a fiberglass boat. It is recommended that you use an aluminum boat, and only travel at slow speeds.

If you are considering a trip to Reelfoot Lake, you can find out more information by contacting Blue Bank Lodge out their website. In addition to a Tennessee fishing license, anglers need a Reelfoot Preservation Permit, which ranges from $3.50 for one day to $17 for the year.

Tennessee has thousands of acres and miles of nature freshwater sources which are full of both Black Crappie and White Crappie. And if you enjoy fishing for crappie, you will never be at a loss for a great fishing spot.

The State Record for Black Crappie is 4 pounds, 4 ounces. Black Crappie prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees, and deeper, slow moving waters.

The State Record for White Crappie is 5 pounds, 1 ounces. White Crappie also prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees. White Crappie prefer darker, murky waters, with ample amounts of cover available.

Tennessee Fishing Rules and Regulations

Anyone over the age of 13 must possess a fishing license when fishing on any public water system in Tennessee. The only exemptions to this is people born before 1926, active military personal (provided that they carry a copy of their leave papers), and when fishing on free fishing day. You are considered a resident of Tennessee as long as you have resided in Tennessee for a period longer then 90 days. All others will be considered none-residents.

Free fishing day is held every year on June 10th. You have the ability to fish without purchasing a license all day, as long as you still follow Tennessee’s rules and regulations.

Tennessee is unlike other states, as it places certain restrictions on fishing with anything other then normal rod and reel combinations. Explosives, chemicals and electrical shocking devices are strictly forbidden, and their use carries heavy penalties. Shootings and Bow fishing is also prohibited in Tennessee.

Tennessee Hot Spots

REELFOOT LAKE- Reelfoot resembles a large farm pond, with cover such as cypress trees, stumps, lily pads, and other submerged objects. This lake is literally loaded with fallen timber and logs. The amount of cover provided allows the Crappie to reach substantial sizes.

Due to how shallow the lake is, and the amount of submerged items, you may want to consider fishing in something other then a fiberglass boat. It is recommended that you use an aluminum boat, and only travel at slow speeds.

If you are considering a trip to Reelfoot Lake, you can find out more information by contacting Blue Bank Lodge out their website. In addition to a Tennessee fishing license, anglers need a Reelfoot Preservation Permit, which ranges from $3.50 for one day to $17 for the year.

Crappie fishing is what you are planning. There is plenty to do and see throughout the country when it comes to crappie fishing. If you are one that is looking to enjoy Kentucky lake crappie fishing, the good news is that there are a number of great places to get started. Before you begin your plan for catching crappie, start by grabbing a map and laying out your goals. The fact is, you will want to plan how to hit just about all of the areas within this great state that offer excellent crappie fishing for anglers. Here are some tips to help you, but know that there are plenty of other great locations to fish than the Kentucky lake crappie fishing we list here.

Kentucky is well known for providing anglers with great slab crappie fishing all year long, so choosing two top lakes in the state in which to fish for crappie is a daunting task to say the least. As is always the case, the perfect fishing hole is largely a personal preference, and each angler is entitled to his or her own opinion. Known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is known for several lakes and other bodies of water that consistently produce terrific, record setting crappie fishing all year long. The depths and techniques are what varies, not the abundance of crappie, because anglers statewide can easily find crappie to catch whenever the urge to bait a hook and hit the water finds them.

Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake are arguably two of the very best crappie fishing waters in Kentucky, if not in the whole country. These tributaries are located in southwestern Kentucky, and are well known for the consistency of their crappie catches each and every year. These lakes have a huge black and white crappie population. The sizes of the papermouths regularly pulled from Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake is amazing as well. Catches of two pounds plus are not uncommon, and tournament fishermen are consistently required to catch two pound fish in order to place well in the local tournaments.

Black crappie in Kentucky Lake tend to move into the shallows much sooner than white crappie do, which allows anglers to fish different depths longer, depending on whether they are after black or white crappie, than some other popular places do. Recent studies showed they were moving into the shallows as early as March, so adjusting your techniques accordingly should prove to increase your catch in these areas.

Crappie fishing is always best in March through May, but after a little bit of a lag, you will find plenty of fish again in the autumn through the winter months of the year. Most of the crappie seem to be caught in the deeper water areas. Many anglers actually prefer the months of June, July and March for crappie fishing in Kentucky Lake, and bringing in 30 keepers in the ten plus inch range is certainly not uncommon!

As is always the case when fishing for crappie, fish with the smallest hooks possible to avoid tearing the fragile mouth of the crappie. Normally an eight or ten works well, as do gang hooks. Reel your catch in slowly, using a gentle pull and reel combination technique. Net the fish to bring it in as soon as you can. Even light weight rod and reel combination rigs seem to work well when fishing for crappie.

The State Record for Black Crappie in Indiana is 4 pounds, 11 ounces. Black Crappie prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees, and deeper, slow moving waters.

Rules and Regulations

Like other states, Indiana requires you to purchase a fishing license before fishing in any public waters in Indiana. The only exception to this is in private ponds and lakes. To obtain a residential fishing license, you must have lived in Indiana for a minimum of 60 days. All others will be issued a none-resident license.

You can purchase your license online though the Indiana government website, or at any local retailer, DNR office, by phone, or by mail.

Indiana allows for a few exemptions. If you are over the age of 65 you are not required to obtain a fishing license, however you must carry a valid ID stating your age and area of residence. If you are under the age of 17, or legally blind, you are not required to purchase a license. All military personal on leave may fish without a license as long as you carry your leave orders with you at all times, and Indiana is your home state.

Indiana Hot Spots

EAGLE CREEK RESERVOIR – Eagle Creek Reservoir is 10 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis and just off Interstate 465. It was impounded as a water-supply lake and covers approximately 1,350 acres. It has an average depth of 18 feet with a maximum depth of 45 feet.

An ample amount of cover is available towards the upper end of the lake.

MORSE RESERVOIR – Morse Reservoir is a water supply reservoir owned by the Indianapolis Water Company. The lake spans over 1,350 acres, and can reach a depth of up to 45 feet in some areas. Beware, as some spots on the lake are very narrow.

There is a large amount of cover available throughout the entire lake. Wooded areas and submerged logs provide the essential cover needed for Crappie fishing.

SULLIVAN LAKE – Sullivan Lake is in the southwestern parts of Indiana near the town of Sullivan. This is a small lake, only covering 461 acres. The average depth is 10 feet, with spots up to 25 feet deep. The primary fish found in Sullivan Lake is white crappie. About 50% of all fisherman fishing on Sullivan lake are fishing for Crappie.

One interesting fact about Lake Sullivan is the fact that the crappie feed largely on bug instead of other small fish, despite the large amount of shad available in the lake. Biologists studied the stomach contents of the Crappie to find a large amount of caddis fly larvae.

Crappie fishing is very popular in many states all across the nation and Texas is no exception. Crappies can be found gathered together in large groups called fish schools. Once you locate a school of crappie you should be able to reel in your limit fairly quickly. The lakes, rivers and reservoirs located in Texas provide the perfect environment that is excellent for crappie, which is one of the reasons this species of fish are so plentiful in this state.

When it comes to sport fishing in Texas, crappies are at the top of the list. The two species of crappie that are found in Texas waters are the black crappie and the white crappie. The black crappie is recognized by its darker color and the seven to eight spines that are located on their dorsal fin. They also have dark spots on their sides. The white crappies are lighter in color and have five to six spines on the dorsal fin. Instead of spots they have vertical stripes on their sides.

Crappies are part of the sunfish and black bass family. They are considered mature when they are about two years old and they can live up to eight years. When fishing for crappie in Texas you need to learn the rules and regulations that govern the state to make sure you are following all the rules. For instance, in the state of Texas the daily bag limit for how many crappies you are allowed to keep is twenty-five. The minimum statewide length is ten inches long. You will also find that some areas have seasonal regulations that you will need to learn as well.

Best Crappie Fishing Spots in Texas

The great thing about crappie fishing in Texas is the fact that this state is so large there are many hot spots where crappie fishing is excellent. You will find numerous lakes, ponds and rivers scattered throughout Texas that are full of crappie. In fact, you will find this species of fish in almost every body of water you visit in Texas.

Below is a list of a few of the Texas lakes were you can go fishing for crappie.

- Cooper Lake

- B.A. Steinhagen Lake

- Lake Caddo

- Lake Corpus Christi

- Belton Lake

- Lake Houston

- Eagle Mountain Lake

- Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir

- Lake Kemp

- Lake Waco

- Lake Granbury

- Stamford Reservoir

As mentioned above these are just a few of the many lakes and reservoirs located in Texas where you can have a lot of success crappie fishing. The state record for black crappie was caught in Lake Fork and Navarro Mills Lake is where the state record for white crappie was caught.

If there was ever a fish custom designed for ice fishing, crappies are it. They are plentiful, somewhat active all year, and wonderful table fare. They are also relatively easy to catch, once you locate them. To be consistently successful, all you need to do is learn a few trick of the trade.

The hardest part of crappie fishing, no matter what season, is locating them. Needless to say, a portable depth-finder is almost a necessity, and an underwater camera is also a good addition to your arsenal. In winter, crappie will seek out the warmest water they can find.

Without delving deeply into the science of Hydrology, as a rule of thumb, the warmest water will be found in the area that contains the largest mass of water. This will be the part that freezes last. There will also be other areas of warmer water, but this is a good place to start.

Once you have found this area, the other considerations are depth, structure, and oxygen content. Crappie will be found in the warmer water at depths from 15′, down to around 50′, suspending in some relation to structure. So, submerged timber in 30-40′ of water, near a channel or riverbed is good place to start. Shallow water can become oxygen depleted when the lake turns over in winter.

Most likely, you will catch smaller crappie in shallower water. Also, what holds true for crappie also appiles to other species, so be prepared for some added bonus fish, such as bluegills, smallmouth bass, and walleyes. In fact, another trick to locating crappie is that if you find yourself catching large bluegills at a certain death, try dropping your bait down about 5′-10′ deeper. Often crappie will be suspending right underneath them.

The best times of day for ice fishing are late morning and early afternoon. Crappie will often move along lines of structure from deeper to shallower water at these times, in search of food, warmth and oxygen. They will follow riverbeds, channels and other contours, from one area of structure to another.

When selecting tackle, the key word is Light. Long rods are not necessary for ice fishing. There are several specialty crappie combos, many with line counters and depth line locators that can be purchased for a nominal outlay. These are perfect, since you will be almost exclusively vertical fishing with tiny jigs and small bait. Any light, or ultralight rod around 4 to 5 long will work. The reels can be very simple. A light spinning, or spin-casting reel is adequate. You need to use nothing larger than 4 lb. test line.

One of the best rigs is a double hook, or jig rig with s lip bobber. These will detect the lightest of hits. Many times, the only indication of a bite will be the bobber moving around slowly, or maybe laying on its side.

Another trick is to make a strike indicator from an old guitar low string. Simply tie a 4 length of the string to the last section of your rod, with the ball-end even with your tip guide. Then, bend the string up until it makes a 45 degree angle with the rod. Run your line through the ball-end, then through the tip guide. This will detect the very lightest of bites.

Crappie fishing in Canada is some of the best that you will ever experience. There is no other place on earth quite like Canada.

It has so much more to offer the angler besides all the great places to go crappie fishing. Although, you will find that there are many places in Canada where the crappies are plentiful and the fishing is always excellent.

Anglers of all ages enjoy spending their time reeling in the crappie while taking pleasure in the beautiful scenery that Canada has to offer.

Crappies are a small species of fish that is easier to catch than many of the others types that are found in these waters such as the walleye or the bass. This is why they are such a great species for the novice angle.

Most of the time they are easy to reel in and don’t struggle very much so they are good for both young and old fishermen. However, occasionally they can be very aggressive and even put up quite a fight, which is why experienced anglers enjoy catching them as well.

Best Fishing Spots in Canada

There are many lakes and rives in Canada where the crappies are abundant so it is easy to find a great place to go fishing. There are so many lakes and rivers located throughout Canada that it would be impossible to name them all.

One excellent choice that is very popular where the crappie fishing is great is Rainy Lake. Here the crappie fishing is some of the best found anywhere in Canada and the surroundings are stunning. The best-known place to go crappie fishing in Canada is the Lake of the Woods. Here you will find some of the biggest crappie every caught and they are always plentiful.

In the spring and early summer months you can find the crappie along the shorelines, weeds and areas where the bottom of the water is muddy. When fishing these areas during this time of year on the Lake of the Woods you should use a small jig and drop it in the center of the strike zone.

Next, slowly pull it up to the top of the weeds or other structure. Then repeat the process a few times until the crappie start biting. Adding a minnow to the end of your jig may help you see a little more action since this is the crappies favorite food source.

In late summer and fall the crappie will begin to scatter out and move to the deeper water. This is a good time to use the technique of vertical jigging just off the bottom of the water where the crappie will be located.

Even winter is a good time to go crappie fishing in Canada on the Lake of the Woods. There are specific hot spots that will always produce tight schools of fish. You can get a map of the lake that will help you learn where these hot spots are so you can get a head start on reeling in the crappie or you can hire a guide service to help you out.

Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are where crappie, largemouth, striper and monster catfish are hunted by anglers in the know when they take to the water in South Carolina. There is plenty of room for all comers; Marion covers 110,000 acres while Moultrie weighs in at 60,400 acres.

Now, these lakes weren’t always what they are now. As a matter of fact, they were not there at all. They were created when the Santee River and the Cooper River were dammed. This occurred in the 1940s and as little as twenty years later the lakes had already gained a reputation as a crappie fishing hot spot.

Types of Fish in the Santee Cooper Arena

Of course it’s become a haven for trophy Crappie, or “papermouths”, as they are commonly referred to. But don’t be surprised if you reel in a monster catfish. These range from five pounders up to fifty pounds, rivaling anything caught in the Mississippi or anywhere else for that matter. Try putting one of those babies in your pan.

But crappies are what we are talking about and the best way to fill the boat with keepers. This won’t be hard to do in these two lakes if you can just find them.

How to find Keeper Crappie

Crappie like to hang out in and around underwater structure. If you are not familiar with the Santee Cooper lakes, consider using a fish finder to reveal underwater structure. The lakes are fairly dense with it. In the first place, the damming of the rivers and subsequent flooding left plenty of growth underwater. In addition to that, since the 40s, guides and local anglers have sunk their own structure to create their personal honey holes. Consequently, it only takes a short run by boat to find productive water.

If you hire a guide you can expect to pay for it. Unless you’ve got very deep pockets you might want to consider using a guide the first day to get a feel for the lay of the water and then take it from there for the rest of your trip.

For two people you can expect to pony up $150 to $280 depending on if you furnish your own bait/lures and tackle or leave that up to the guide. Accordingly, the fee for 6 people can be as steep as $480. So you see, how much you rely on the guide service or your own adventuresome spirit determines how you structure your trip.

When and Where to Fish for Crappie

Although crappie can be caught year round, the most productive time starts in early March and ends in mid December. Crappie have their temperature comfort zone and they try to stick to it while staying in structure. This has them moving deeper and the temperatures fall and then moving back closer to shore as spring approaches.

As the weather warms, crappie start getting ready for spawning. They spawn in structure in the shallow water, depositing eggs in structure for the safety of the eggs and the subsequent minnows. After depositing the eggs they will move back into slightly deeper water.

Once they begin spawning, the best place to fish is where permanent grass might be found.

Fishing is held as one of the most popular outdoor activities in Alabama. The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is in charge of managing, protecting, and enhancing all freshwater resources in the state.

The resources available include 47 reservoirs that cover over 551,220 acres total, 23 public fishing lakes, and over 77,000 miles of rivers, streams, and deltas.

Types of Crappie in Alabama Waters

The diversity of waters available in Alabama greatly diversifies the types of fish found in these waters.

When Crappie fishing, the area in which you are fishing dictates the type of Crappie you will be able to catch. Both Black Crappie and White Crappie can be found in Alabama, though the Black Crappie are much more predominate.

Hybrid crappie can also be found in Alabama rivers, though they are somewhat rare.

The State Record for Black Crappie is 4 pounds, 5 ounces. Black Crappie prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees, and deeper, slow moving waters.

Rules and Regulations

When fishing for Crappie in Alabama waters, you must follow certain rules and regulations. While these rules can change by the area in which you are in, generally they remain close to the same.

You can only possess a total of 30 Crappie (Black or White) per fishing trip.

The typical required length for kept Crappie is 9 inches in all waters that are larger then 500 acres. All of the states public lakes are exempt from this rule, along with the Chattahoochee River, Impoundments, tributaries, and the Bear Creek Reservoir. Crappie have to be a minimum of 10 inches when caught from the Weiss Reservoir.

Alabama Crappie Fishing Hot Spots

LAKE EUFAULA- While most lakes in the area have Crappie ranging in age of 1-6 years old, Lake Eufaula has Crappie as old as 10 years. The population of this lake is so high that it is likely that Crappie will die of old age rather then being caught. This is really surprising because Lake Eufaula does not place a restriction on the size or amount of Crappie you can keep from the water.

This may be because fisherman in the area only seem to target Crappie during certain parts of the year. During the other times, the fish are free to roam and flourish without the chance of being caught.

Another cause for the abundance of slabs in Eufaula is the habitat the impoundment provides. Plenty of fairly shallow water is available off the old Chattahoochee River channels. Lake Eufaula offers has a high fertility rate, and provides plenty of adequate areas for Crappies to spawn in.

During the fishing season, you find some exceptional areas to crappie fish. When you use the GPS to pinpoint the areas that are known to have crappie populations, you can program that area into the GPS.

The waypoints will help you out the next time you go fishing. Some anglers actually sell their waypoints, which pinpoint the area to fish for crappies, for a fee. These waypoints are marks on the GPS for certain lakes. By using these waypoints, you can go right to the area where the fish were biting last month or in some cases, last year.

Before you use the waypoints to find the crappies and beat other anglers to the punch, you must know what a waypoint is and how to use it. The waypoints are logged into the GPS as latitude and longitude. The waypoints will guide you back to a specific area within three meters.

When you use the waypoints to track the crappie, you will be heading back to a point that was home to the crappies. This would be idea for fall and winter crappies, but many anglers can swear by this method during the summer months as well.

Keeping track of the waypoints will get you right back to the location where you have had good fishing. By returning to these areas, you do not have to spend time searching or guessing where to start looking. The nice thing is that it cuts down on wasted time because you go directly to the spot using the GPS waypoints.

The fact that the waypoints can be within three meters, you can be very close to the area. If you have a map, you may want to make note of a point of interest or some other thing around the area as well.

The waypoints are just another way to pinpoint where you want to go back to when fishing the lake for crappie. If you do not have a GPS, you can do this with a map of the lake and mark the locations. There are many ways to beat everyone else to the fish. You just have to be creative.

Before the day of GPS devices, anglers used a map with latitude and longitude marks on the sides. Doing this will also help you track the waypoints. Many anglers will tell you that this is a good way to go right back to the place where you had the best luck.

Here is a sample waypoint:

N31.06.25 W 97 28.40 Then here you can give a little description

N31 06.73 W97 28.53 Then here you put another description.

These waypoints continue until you reach your destination. To keep every set of waypoints separate, give them a letter for the name of the lake. This will help you in the future when you fish different lakes with a GPS or a notebook. Some anglers will give coordinates out, but they have not used the coordinates for a while.

This would mean that you would not know for sure if the lake has underground any changes. Any changes on the lake can change where the fish are or if they are still even close to the waypoints. Remember to check for changes on the lake before relying on the waypoints.

Because crappie is a plentiful species of fish in several areas of the country and great fishing can be found almost year round, there are crappie fishing contests somewhere almost every weekend of the year. In cooler months of the year, you’ll find that most tournaments are concentrated further south where the waters don’t freeze and stay slightly warmer through the winter, while spring and summer hold promises of contests pretty much everywhere.

Often, some of the earliest events of the year can be found in Florida, where weather is warm year-round in the tropical southern part of the state. Here, you may find contests referred to as “super events” as early in the year as February. Early March may find contests beginning in other areas in the south as well, including several lakes in Alabama and Georgia. As spring moves forward, expect to see tournaments creeping farther north, to Tennessee and Kentucky, where there are some unbelievable lakes for spring crappie fishing. Later spring and early summer weather will work the lakes in areas like Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Contests in these states can stretch into early fall before working back down to the southern coastal states in late November and December.

Events range from local to regional, culminating in week-long national tournaments at some of the best lakes in the country. Rules are somewhat typical, though exact start times may vary and some regulations differ slightly, especially when achieving the national level. For example, the Cabela’s Crappie USA Classic in 2007 will be held in Kentucky Barkley South Lake in Tennessee in early October. The tournament calls for the lake to be off limits to fishermen for the previous two weeks in order to guarantee that the lake isn’t stripped of crappie before the tournament. Rules state that tournament fishing is allowed between the hours of 6:30am and 3:00pm on Friday and Saturday, with anyone who is not in line for weigh-in at 4:00pm each day to be disqualified.

It is important to remember that all contests have a set of guidelines similar to this, and any violation is grounds for elimination. Many crappie fishing tournaments have size limitations that must be met in order to keep the catch, and some have regulations on boat sizes, motor sizes and types, and required distances between fishing boats for safety purposes.