Thread: Need pointers for SML crappie in mAY

I don't Crappie fish, but have fished SML 47 years, and still going.

All during those years, I have always heard that the farther up the Roanoke River arm and the Blackwater arm of the lake, the Crappie fishing gets better.

From what I've heard, most Crappie are caught near the backs of creek, off docks, laydowns and submerged brushpiles (if you can find the brushpiles.).

It's a bit of a run either way, but going farther up the River or Blackwater, may get you some better action.

Believe it or not, in all the years fishing SML, I have never caught a Crappie, not even by accident.

Wish I could help you more, but that's about the limit of my Crappie expertise.

Well I appreciate you input!! That is what I’m hearing for most people and links I have read!! I have only ever caught one my myself out of SML and that was above the bridge in a lay down!! We will give it a try for sure!! I know we have never found any on docks in the mid lake area??

I caught a good number of crappie in SMl back in the 80s and 90s. I’ve done well in the very back of Stoney Creek in the spring spawn and then again in the very late fall, but not quite as far back and about 20’ deep. In May and June, I’d catch some around docks with brush on the main channel in that same Stoney creek area. Haven’t really fished there in 20 years.
TW