Systems For New Water

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.