Map Reading
Before Bullock travels, he also buys the best available map of the lake or reservoir. “Spawning invariably occurs in shallow areas,” he says, “so scan the map for coves with large flats, positioned to provide protection from prevailing winds. National Weather Service maps generally show prevailing wind direction by season, or else talking with guides and local anglers will give you a good idea. And remember that, in general, coves in northwest corners warm first.
“The next key ingredient is cover. Mark coves that offer flooded brush at spring water levels, standing timber along the creek channel of a reservoir, or downed trees along the bank. The best coves also feature a rather deep channel leading from the main body of the reservoir, 20 to 35 feet in many cases.
“The channel provides the roadway for crappies to move into and out of protected areas. And the closer the deep channel approaches thick cover, the better. One last feature to look for is a steep rocky point within 1/4 to 1/2 mile of your chosen cove. I’m not sure why the rock is important, but over the years, I’ve found it to be associated with spring crappie hot spots.”
Now that you’ve zeroed in on a top crappie spawning area, it’s time to hunt for the big guys. “Masses of average-size crappies will spawn on the large sheltered flats in the backs of coves,” Bullock says. “To find trophy-size crappies, follow the shoreline from the back of coves out toward a prominent main-lake point. Note any large shoreline irregularity or structure on the topo map—points, divots, and the like. The big ones favor smaller, better-defined spots for nesting.
“Then try to define any underwater ridges or breaklines that lead toward these shorelines from the deep water of the creek channel, or the deepest part of the cove in a natural lake. Larger fish favor isolated shoreline cover, with a drop-off to at least 12 feet within about 30 yards. Carefully note these spots and check them first when you get to the lake. These are lunker havens.”
Most major crappie fisheries are large reservoirs, but Bullock notes that well-managed farm ponds, particularly in the West and Midwest, can produce giant crappies. Finding these waters takes research, but often you’ll find sleepers close to home.
On the Lake
Once you get to your destination, match actual shoreline and bottom features to what was depicted on your marked map. Some new topo maps like those from Fishing Hot Spots include grids for latitude and longitude, which allow you to mark waypoints on your GPS before you get to the lake. Track a route to the icon and you’re there.
Note, though, that many maps aren’t quite accurate, and some seem based on flights of fancy. Some older ones were crudely fashioned, based on a limited sampling. In other cases, bottom features change following floods or just gradual erosion and siltation. Some spots that looked great on the map may not be worth much. Use sonar to verify the map’s indications of structure and cover.
“I’ve also encountered drastic changes in water level,” Bullock says. “Unusually low water can leave prime spots high and dry. In less severe cases, the proper conditions are lost when the water becomes too shallow, either in the creek channel or along spawning banks. But as long as you have 20 feet in the channel, crappies will continue to use the general area, if abundant cover is present.”
Backtracking
Bullock recommends the first phase of the spawn for the hottest lunker bite. But, again, the vagaries of timing this event make it easy to miss. “If the spawn is still two to four weeks or so away, you can still salvage a great trip,” he says. “Find primary areas you’ve identified on the map, then backtrack toward deeper water.
“As you move out toward the main lake, look for small ridges with rock or stump cover. Try to visualize the path that fish might take as they move from the deeper main lake back toward spawning areas. In southeastern reservoirs, crappies move gradually toward the extreme shallows, and they may slide back and forth along these mid-depth areas for several weeks if the weather is unstable.
“Even with the spawn weeks away, a warm, calm afternoon will propel crappies shallower. Check isolated shoreline cover late in the day—rock slides, fallen trees, or deep boat docks. Of course, a prolonged hot spell can send legions of fish into the shallows, yielding super-fast fishing.”
Reading Cover
Across the country, most top crappie reservoirs offer lots of woodcover, stumps, standing timber, brushpiles, and cribs. Bullock notes that the placement of the wood is critical in determining its use by crappies. “Some lakes and reservoirs feature many steep bluff banks. Look for those with trees growing right to the waterline. Usually trees, or at least stumps, will be present below the waterline as well.
“These spots provide great cover for big prespawn crappies. Once you get on the lake, ease along and watch sonar for timber, as well as little rises in the bottom, rockpiles, and brushpiles planted by fishermen. Use your electric motor to more closely examine these areas. An outboard just doesn’t allow enough lateral movement.
“If you spot good cover, don’t fish it right away. The crappies will be spooked. Rest it for a half hour or more, then come back and anchor off the area and fish it thoroughly.
“Warm tributaries entering a reservoir are another major draw in spring,” Bullock adds. “Big, wide tributaries tend to be slow-moving, allowing them to heat up before entering the lake. The key area is where the tributary’s current stops and flat water begins.
