Not sure about crappie, but I have caught sandies during the spawn in Waxahachie creek coming up from Bardwell, easily 15 miles from the lake. They HAD to be from Bardwell, as i used to fish that creek heavily at all other times of the year! never caught em when it wasn't spawn time. have caught them under the bridge down from the train station in Waxahachie, in Getzendaner park next to the foot bridge downstream from the Chatacqua, and on the west side of 35, behind the old cement plant! Never at any time of the year except during the spring spawn. And not random ones here and there, good stringers of em at a time!