Crappie

In the fall, from early October until winter the crappie will move to shallower water in the cypress trees and brush piles. A technique called "Stump-Jumping" using live minnows is effective. Jigging with small jigs and quarter ounce spoons also works around drop offs with brush.

In late February, crappie begin to congregate around the mouths of creeks at depths of 8 to 12 feet. During this time, you can catch a few by trolling with live minnows. When the surface water temperature gets to 58 to 64 degrees they begin to move into water 2 to 12 feet deep to spawn. Warm spring rains bring crappie to creek inlets in shallow water as well. The spawning cycle for crappie can last from the full moon in March to the full moon in May, depending on water temperature. Medium size minnows worked over brush at depths of 2 to 12 feet is the most popular technique. Small jigs or spoons on light tackle are also effective. By mid-May crappie begin to move to the stumps and somewhat deeper water. In summer, crappie are found in deep around the dead trees of Lake Marion and deep submerged brush piles in Moultrie. Depths range from 20 to 40 feet. Live medium minnows are the best bait.

Crappie weighing two pounds are commonly caught in these lakes.