Getting to the Point for Crappie

The small impoundment in north Louisiana is perhaps one of the best crappie lakes anywhere. Sure, recently it has its problems. There is fishing pressure, predator fish taking over the lake, but year after year, it produces some quality Crappie, not to mention some really big bass. That being said, I am drawn to the lake for what it has to offer. The stained green water seems to be just what those big crappie like, never too clear or too muddy, but just perfect. The fish that come from the lake are a brilliant greenish color. They are just absolutely beautiful. Even in a so-called off year, the average fish is still well over one pound. Coming from the deep southern part of Louisiana, the average fish is more in that 12-14 ounce range, so catching fish this size is a bonus. I had the chance to revisit the Point this March and it sure paid off. It was the "perfect storm". The weather was perfect; cool nights, warm days, light winds and the fish were biting. I reverted to my youth by camping in a tent, "roughing it". I fished before the sunrise and stayed out after sunset. It's not my normal pattern, but when you are in the land of giants, every minute on the lake could produce nice numbers or that trophy fish. There was no pattern that produced better than others. At times the fish were in 20 feet of water and then they were in 4 feet of water. Trolling from deep to shallow was the best way to locate the active fish. This made for a steady bite throughout the day. This is not unusual for spawning fish. They move in at different times to spawn and then move off again. Perhaps the most surprising thing was when a major movement took place. Typically you would think spawning fish move in late or maybe at night or early morning. But, crappie or for that matter any fish have their own schedule. They do what they want when they want. Sure we try and predict when they will move in shallow and bite, but its never that easy. That day the morning fishers had left for the day and the afternoon folks hadn't shown up yet and the bite was crazy good. The fish chose 1:30 pm that day to do their thing. Maybe it was the solar heat of the day in which the water temperatures reached in the low 70s or maybe it was just that area and the fish decided to move up. I just happened to be there when it occurred. For a couple of hours the bite was fantastic. Big females moving in to lay and they were aggressive. I had one of the coves to myself at that point and was catching many fish in that 1lb 8oz range. Some where over 2lbs. For that small window I was in fishing paradise. Ended the day with 60 caught and released. Sometimes it pays to take a chance, go with your instincts and travel to other lakes. The average day was 40 fish or more. This didn't include the numerous catfish. This may not have been a record setting trip or one where I caught the most, but it was, at least for a few days, fishing paradise. Good luck fishing. Hope to see ya on the water.

Comments

  1. GarrettMarch 28, 2017 at 5:44 AM

    Great Story Bob.. I myself have Fished Poverty Point Reservoir and it was a memorable experience..the conditions weren't as favorable as you described and the numbers weren't fantastic, but Like you said being on that beautiful lake with the chance to catch the big one that's out there is just fishing Paradise. Tight Lines Bob!!!

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