I too have tried to find some bamboo since I fished with Jerry Blake on Lake Greeson in SW Arkansas last spring. He raves about it and by the crappie we caught down there, it would make a believer out of you. It sort of goes wild down there and most people want it cut.
I have finally found 2 little clumps of it here around LOZ, but neither place wants any of it cut.
I did find a source for it and they have kinds that will handle the winter temps around here - Lewis Bamboo - www.lewisbamboo.com but I wonder how long it would take to get enough growing to be able to harvest much for crappie condos??
This probably isn't too much help, but that is what little I know about it.
Happy New Year and go Tigers!
Mark