Boat Dock Crappie

[CrappiePappy]

There is a small amount of structure. There is a lot more that is not yet underwater. The depth varies for about 8-16' with a water temp of 48.F. I tried multiple jig heads and colors. I must not be going slow enough or something. That was my second trip out and still no luck.

Try & find docks that have obvious signs of belonging to an angler, especially ones that have any of the following :

pole holders mounted on the front/sides
bait buckets
fish baskets or pens
fishing poles hanging/lying on dock
"fishing" boat docked there (as opposed to "other" type boats)


Many dock owners plant brush a short cast distance from their docks, as well as underneath.

I see nothing wrong with any of the docks pictured ... but the fish may not be that shallow, yet, given the current water temp. I'd definitely try them, again, once the water came back up.

The fish need a reason to be there .... like baitfish activity in the area, warmer water, close proximity to deeper water (or a channel drop), spawning bank/cover, etc.

A one foot drop in water level may have pushed them out from the shallower docks, but shouldn't have had much effect on the deeper ones ... except maybe to have caused them to drop to the bottom and/or put them in a sulky mood.

Next time you try dock shooting, start by shooting the jig way back under the dock ... letting the jig fall to the bottom ... then do a slow/short "lift/drop" retrieve, all the way back out to the boat ... then slowly reel the jig straight up from under the boat, to the surface. Once you've shot the dock from many different angles, ease up to the front posts & try this method : Crappie Pappy Article

... cp

[mbhutton]

This is a run off that feeds the boat docks in the last 2 photos. Once that water warms up and the level rises a touch i think it will be a great spot.

[RetiredRR]

Nice photos and fishie looking docks. Stick with 'em for a while. When the water comes back up, hit 'em again. Location looks good too.

[crappienapper]

Those docks look like crappie paradise to me! I think as others stated the cold water temps and water up/downs are the problem. Keep looking there and betcha gonna find some good ones. Be sure to get all the way to the deep dark edges, and focus on the shadows, that seems to work for me. Good luck.