Finding crappie???

[fishintechnician]

Does anyone have any tips for locating crappie this time of year? I've been fishing a lake for about a week and. Half and can't seem to locate the crappie. I'm hammering nice gills but no slabs. I know this lake had an abundant population of bi crappie but I just can't seem to find them. I'm going to scout a little more tomorrow. This lake is relatively shallow averaging 12 ft w a few spots over 20. No weeds and not whole lot of structure that I know of this time of year since it is a draw down lake. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[OhioSwampRat]

I'm no expect by any means, but if you have a flasher, I see a lot of guys on shows drill a bunch of holes and check each of them as they go till they find fish and then jig it and see what they are.

[OhioFisher19]

Crappie have to relate to something. Won't be just a flat or open water it seems like. Drop offs, structure, or a little current is all it takes. Seems like they will either be very shallow or very deep. What lake may help?

[ratherbefishing]

If you know of any isolated vertical structure you should find them. Marinas with floating docks are also good on impoundments. Look for large areas with consistent depth and any risen structure should be holding them.

[Treble]

The other guys gave you some great advice. Only thing I can add is stay off the bottom. Unless they're locked into some structure they'll be suspended.

[snag]

I like fishing after dark and taking one of those floating Styrofoam lights.  Auger a hole and set it up, then fish around it.  Sometimes doing it that way you can catch them a couple feet under the ice.

[fishintechnician]

Thanks guys this should give me some spots to try. It is Delaware lake I know they are there. I have been fishing the mouth to one bay getting the gills fished until about 730-8 the other night. About 6 the screen lite up like a Christmas tree suspended fish from 2 ft to 6 ft in 8-9fow could buy a bite and I tried everything. Gonna start searching

[Treble]

Good luck and let us know how ya do.

[icebucketjohn]

You lookin' for these?

[fishintechnician]

That's not right john! Haha I'm not greedy just want. Few lol.

[icebucketjohn]

So do I.

[Luvztaphish]

Try searching the basin for suspended fish , drill a lot of holes and go back through with your Flasher . The suspended marks should be crappie . They will cruise around in the basin this time of year . Fish a hole with marks until it goes cold then check other holes for marks . You will be moving around a lot ,but it will be worth it  .  Good luck . PS I drill my holes in a wagon wheel paternal about 25 paces apart .

[fishintechnician]

We fished a bunch of different areas today. Not much luck so we went back to the spot where we have been getting the gills. Towards dark the crappie started to move in. Got 5 keepers and almost 30 gills in about 3 hrs. Was pretty nice! One crappie my wife got was pushing 14" and was thick and wide! Wanted to stay after dark but didn't have a lantern. Goin back tomorrow. Ice was 8" to 10" every where we went.

[fishintechnician]

One more pic

[slabslayer]

Looks like you found em!!  I'll spare the lecture then.