How To Find The Best Crappie Fishing

Because they populate so many lakes and rivers in the country, crappie are easy to find in most states, making them a favorite for anglers. However, there are several lakes within the United States that are considered excellent overall and the best crappie fishing lakes in the nation. Where can you find these lakes, and what is so great about them? Let's take a look at what could be the top five lakes in the entire United States.

You'll probably notice that, while there is plenty of good crappie fishing in the north, most of the lakes are going to be found in the south. This is partially due to warmer climates that allow for longer growing seasons, earlier spawning, and year-round fishing ability. Anglers are often not "seasonal" fishermen and enjoy getting out on the lake even in the dead of winter. In order to do this, you have to find a good lake that's not frozen over (unless you really enjoy ice fishing). Many of the lakes in the south never freeze.

Of the top five lakes in the south, two are in Alabama. Logan Martin Lake is 15,000 acres, a reservoir created from the impoundment of the Coosa River. The best crappie fishing here is found by trolling waters at 8-15 feet in the creek arms of the upper end of the lake, especially at the beginning of March as the crappie are beginning to spawn. Crappie are plentiful, and many are to be found in the two-pound range and above. Weiss Lake also provides some of the best crappie fishing in the country. There is a 10-inch limit here, which has assisted in the maturing of the crappie to larger sizes. You'll find tons of one-pounders and a great deal of two-pounders in this lake, quickly reaching your daily limit. The best areas of the lake are around the Little River and Yellow Creek areas, where slow-troll nose-hooked minnows and tiny spinners seem to produce the best catch.

Outside of Alabama, you'll also find some fishing in Lake Eufaula, located in Oklahoma. This lake, close to city limits, performs well despite heavy pressure from urban areas, and not only will you quickly catch your daily limit, but you are bound to grab a couple of two-pound slabs along the way. Make sure to spend time trolling along I-40 and probing the shallow cover of the Gentry, Cole, and Gaines Creek areas, using 2-inch Yum Beavertail grubs or 1/8-ounce jigheads. If you are visiting the lake for the first time, you might want to consider hiring a guide.