SMALLER LAKES

If I had a choice between large or small lakes, I would choose small lakes because it is easier to locate any fish on smaller bodies of water. They simple do not have as many areas to locate and feed, as on large lakes so there is much less water to check. Cabbage weeds are still my number one choice, though clumps of coontails will also hold fish. Cabbage grows in long slender columns, with space between them in which prey and crappies alike can hide. In the smaller lakes, cabbage will grow to the top of the water, leaving good ambush space for crappies to migrate from top to bottom. However, in larger lakes, rough wave action tends to brake the weeds off well below the surface.

There is one important thing you should know about cabbage. These weeds can disappear in a very short time. I was amazed to fine good productive weed lines one week, and then go back a week later to find the weeds completely gone. What had happened to my weeds? I did a little research into this strange phenomenon and found out that low light conditions are the cause. Low light, which can be caused by several conditions including long periods of cloud cover and turbulent water caused by heavy rains or wind can cause the weeds to be carried away by the current or wind.

To start your search for good productive weeds in smaller bodies of water (and certain areas of large lakes), check areas with fifteen foot depths around channels or openings between islands. These areas should have a gradual slope from fifteen feet to ten feet, where the cabbage weeds grow (depending on the clarity of the water). A valuable tip a buddy gave me this summer was to locate these weeds close to current. Not a fast current, but a gentil current, which will cause a back wash into the weeds. Nutrients and settlement is deposited, making for good weed growth. Crappies favorite food such as bugs and small minnows will also be washed into the weeds. Once there, this forage will use the cover to hide. (Diagram 2,)

Another good area worth checking out is on the lee side of islands. The wind causes a surface current on either side of the island which washes food behind the island. As long as there is a drop off and or weeds you'll find them there.

Another important area not to be over looked is the end of long points of land jutting out into the lake, especially if there is any weed growth there.

Once the surface temperature falls into the mid to low sixties, crappies will locate at the bottom of the weeds. Keep in mind these weeds will be the same ones where you have located crappies all summer. Position your boat directly over the cabbage and spiral a small jig will a Power Grub twister tail straight down the weed columns. The crappies will usually pick up your bait right on the bottom.

As we pass through October and fall turnover occurs, crappies will leave there weedy environment and school up in the deeper water. My favorite spot this time of year is steep rocky drop offs, under water islands, and as I earlier mentioned, river mouths (for the big ones)

Be sure to catch my next article on Run & Gun fishing for the winter crappies.

Should any of you Knowledgeable crappie fisherman know of any good (proven) crappie spots in the southern Ontario area, let me know.
Rocky. 

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