Originally Posted by
The Crappie Killer
Pete,
This is an extremely effective way to catch crappies. However my experience is limited to lower elevation, less "clear" lakes. I have caught tons of crappies bottom bouncing and strolling live bait and double jig rigs on creek channel edges - both main and secondary. The water in the channels, especially a little deeper will be cooler. I have proven this many times with a temeprature gauge and a submersible probe. In the winter it can be slightly warmer. A very small change in water temperature, PH level or oxygen content can really effect the location of crappies. Creek channels generaly have more favorable conditions in the summer or hot months. find a location that has some bait schools, a channel break or edge at that depth, and you will more than likely find crappies and lots of other fish as well. That depth will vary from day to day, week to week etc... Electronics are soooooo important when trying to find good spots like this to fish. You can even find temp breaks with high powered depth finders. Like I said earlier in this message, I have very little experience on the clear deep lakes here in East Tennessee. But I am sure the same applies, just a little deeper due to water clarity. I fi were you and had the time and equipment, I'd be looking for the spots you described and fishing the all summer long.
Mark