Alright, I don't really have a clue of how to catch crappie up the creeks and i read so many posts of people catching em. I need some advice. Is it best to use corks? Do you look for structure mostly, or deep pools in the creek? Fish bends, upstream or down from log jams, or all of the above? Cast and retrieve, vertical fish? I'm gonna try it pretty soon but thought if post before I go.

Just try all those things and see what works best. I usually start with my trusty jig and bobber with the jig about a foot down from the bobber, if that doesn't work I go to a minnow under a bobber and then if that doesn't work I usually just walk the creek bank till I find them...Good luck!

Read the whole thread in the " Bank Section" "annual winter crappie run"

Start from page one!!! All your creek info is there. Might have to scroll past some Mumbo jumbo, but u will get all u need..... Just go find them.

I would also invest in a 10 to 12ft jig pole so u can reach out pass structure thats close to the bank and just walk and fish untill u find them. Hope that helps.

Welcome aboard mbell

I should've put on my post that I'd be in a boat. Think the 10' jig pole would still be necessary?

Another quick question along the same lines...ive never creek fished for crappie...ive got several creeks around me but NONE are really close to a main lake...does that matter as far as their being any crappie in the creek or river?

left the NONE out the first time....

If the shad go to those creeks, the crappie will follow. Deeper the creek, the better. Most Northern Creeks and rivers that dump into a lake r good, if they have water in them. 6-12 ft depths are what I look for......

also, i've never really used a slip cork before. bought some today and was going to try them out. is a 1/16 jig light enough to use under these, and whats the max depth you usually set the stopper at? i was thinking maybe 5-6 ft. i can see how these things may work pretty good. gotta go try em out.

I won't try to rehash the discussion in the prior post but to answer your questions... A 10' pole is disadvantage from a boat sometimes, not necessary. I don't use a bobber from a boat in most cases too.

A 10' pole is the minimum length pole you have to have in a boat to properly doodlesock. Doodlesocking crappie in the winter and especially in the spring can really load the boat.

Provided your boat is at least 10' I think you are right Kevin. If I'm doodlesocking I'll sometimes use the paddle to keep the kayak still so it helps to have a rod that isn't too long.

Jig size will depend on the size and condition of your line. I use 6 lb line. A 1/16 oz jig is about as light as I can use and still get the jig to pull the line through the slip cork.

There are no limits as to how deep you can fish it.