Honestly, not much of a crappie fisherman unless they're under docks or bridges. I've always heard they went up the creeks to spawn. I've been reading the forum and it seems they are just "shallow" every where. I'm planning on going to either Arlington or Benbrook in the morning and could use some kind of ideas on where to fish. I went up the creek on Arlington yesterday afternoon and caught 5 with 1 throw-back and lost 2 keepers before I could get them in the boat. Should I hit the docks and/or rip-rap early? Roam the shallow do-nothing banks? Go up the creek? Fish the stumps on Benbrook? Is the rip-rap at either dam good? It's rip rap......maybe it's too deep? Help a dummy out!

IMHO go up that same creek before first lite ...
fish that same area shallower .....
them males will be fannin nests gettin ready for the girls
they seem to have a tendency to go deeper as it gets lite
probably avoiding predators ...
when the spawn gets full swing they wont care what time it is ....
i hope you slay em .....

I would start in 2-4ft right at daybreak, in either your local creek, or around the mouths of major creek arms. If you don't get bit in a minute, maybe two, keep moving.

x2

I recommend you take Lanes advice. They are not 2-4 ft all over the lake but I'll bet there are pockets where they can be found at that depth.

You're thinking of areas is spot on. Try the last place you caught fish and target that depth. Also, hit the stumps. Rocks at the dam are a good thought but will probably be better in mid to late April as the spawn progresses.

I've found that creeks are hit or miss in the spawn. For me, creeks are better in winter. If you catch them there fine....if not move and find where they are.

Thanks for all the information..... I think I get the idea. A friend wants to go bass fishing instead. I will take my crappie gear with me though. I may have to wait until Saturday to hit the creek.

I like creeks just fine but my favorite is an undercut bank with brush down it. If you can find one it normally holds fish.

All you need to do, is catch one.

Develop a pattern and when you get them figured out, let me know.


Seriously let the fish tell you. Keep moving and good luck.