I notice crappie biting better when the water creeps back down below 80 degerees. That should be real soon in NW Arkansas. Usualy October through mid December is outstanding. I consentrate most of my fishing towards docks in 20' plus of water with brush fishing anywhere from 10' to 25' down. I also fish brushpiles I have sunk on main lake flats durring that time as well. It seems like in the Fall fish are always bigger. My clients or myself catch several crappie over 2 lbs. every Fall!
My main method of fishing is minnows under slip floats around the docks and on the flats I use 2" curly tail jigs.
I hope this helps! Good luck!