The lowly, often overlooked crappie inhabit most of the same waters as bass, but never receive nearly the same recognition. This is a big mistake since these critters are just as hungry, robust as bass. Crappie are often found lurking around docks, sunken trees, weeds, or near a flat and fall is a wonderful time to catch them! Which also means they are likely in a pond, river, or lake near you!

Check-out our list of the 5 best spots to catch fall crappie in the US.

Pickwick Lake – Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi

Image credits: DWBMedias via Shutterstock

Although most target bass and catfish, the crappie fishery on Pickwick lake is exceptional, with hungry two-pounders in whichever direction you swing your line.  The extensive reservoir system of over 43,000 acres teases a variety of dams, rivers, sunken logs, and weed-filled shorelines guaranteed to house crappies.  As for drawing them out, try jigs and small plastic tubes with playful movements. Their curiosity will get the best of them, and so will you.

Neely Henry Lake – Alabama

Image credits: Michal Dziekonski via Pixabay

Alabama is a great spot when it comes to fall crappie. Neely Henry Lake is an 11,235-acre reservoir comprising the Coosa River. Bass are the main draw here, but many anglers do go crappie crazy. You see, fall crappie fishing brings out the big boys, with three-pounders being a bit of a norm. With so much space, you can say the lake has good eats for both man and fish.

Toledo Bend – Texas and Louisiana

Toledo Bend is a favorite among anglers for its year-round action. But fall crappie fishing just goes to another level. Fed by the Sabine River, Toledo Bend has a seemingly endless fishing ground of 186,000 acres and 1,200 miles of shoreline. When it comes to fall crappie fishing, the fish remain in deeper water until mid-autumn to escape that Texas heat. This means any bottom fishing tactics like jigging are a great option.

Crappies are certainly smaller than bass but are bountiful here with  1-2 pounders everywhere.

Clear Lake – California

Image credits: Monica Baladad via Shutterstock

No list of crappie fishing locations would be complete without the mention of Clear Lake, arguably one of the best crappie fishing spots in the world. Clear Lake boasts a healthy black crappie population and the fish are humungous. Not only is Clear Lake the oldest lake in North America, but it also boasts 68 miles of fairly shallow surface area. Cast in the weed lines, near docks, and around fallen or submerged debris, and watch these little guys paddle over. Better bring a cooler with you!

Eufaula Lake – Oklahoma

Eufaula Lake is what you call a hidden gem. In mid-September, anglers notice that the fish are venturing closer to the surface. Anywhere between 7-15 feet, making them easy targets to rack up the fish counts.

Eufaula Lake is a favorite among locals for reliable year-after-year bites. It’s a great fishing spot for novice crappie anglers too and the boat launches are easily accessible. When scoping out a fishing hole, take a look at the tributaries and small creek channels that feed into the lake. On this note, the lake is full of structure, with submerged brush piles of orange Osage and bois d’arc inundated everywhere. Fish along ledges, humps, and flats near or on the shore for a nibble or two.

Final Crappie Word

In general, jigging and soft plastic baits like tubes are great fall options with smaller suspended lures, when presented enticingly, also a solid choice. As for gear selection, no more than a 6-pound test is needed, even in the fall. Crappie are delicate biters so always go  for a light action equipment. Happy crappie hunting and we’ll see this fall!