Welcome to the forum. Stay tuned, lots of knowledge amongst these folks.
Best advice I can give right now: Water is high due to all the monsoons we've been having; when it gets back down to winter pool (guess I should say IF it does
) pay close attention to channel markers. If you have good mapping software, pay attention closely. I mostly fish the Hiwassee and have seen my fair share of dudes knocking gearcases off + getting nearly ejected. Does NOT look like my idea of fun.
Also important: Be advised of local closures. For instance, a large part of the Hiwassee is strictly off-limits in the winter for migratory waterfowl refuge. I'm sure there are others. You don't want to hear the "ignorance of the law" speech from Mr. Green-jeans.
I haven't been in nearly a month now, and don't usually fish for crappie this time of the year. Some good action to be had with several species below the dams, especially in the winter. (But when it's raining 5" every 3 days, running 100,00CFS+ and spilling flood gates, makes it nearly impossible to fish in tail waters safely, imho)
Here in a bit, crappie will be headed shallow for their spawn. I'm typically chasing turkeys during that time but do enjoy getting the wife in the sloughs and drifting for a few fish in the spring.
Good luck,
M