Page 11 - Crappie NOW - April 2019

TOP CRAPPIE LAKES 2019

ST. JOHNS RIVER, FL #6 pounders every year. Vertical jigging is popular
December through February is peak time but casting and slow trolling are also used
at the St. John’s River. There may be some depending upon the season and area. Pick
cold weather, but in general, temperatures your tactic, find your fish and enjoy a unique,
are moderate making it a comfortable winter fantastic trip. Size: 6,700 acres.
fishing lake. There are plenty of pound and a
half crappie with two-plus fairly common. The LAKE D’ARBONNE, LA #8
black crappie are some of the prettiest fish This lake is probably under-rated. It produces
in the country. You can catch crappie while ample numbers of 1.75- to 2.25-pound
watching birds, alligator and manatee, all at crappie, with several 2.50-plus slabs. It is a
the same time. Size: 310 miles long. fisherman’s paradise with channels, flats,
submerged cover and lots of exposed cover.
LAKE CONWAY, AR #7 A fisherman can cast, jig, slow troll and pull
This lake, near Little Rock, will be a jigs. February is a prime pre-spawn month.
controversial pick because it’s not nationally Summer air temperatures can be brutal, so
popular as a top crappie spot. Even some of fall, winter and spring are the seasons to visit.
the locals shun the lake because navigation Size: 15,200 acres.
is difficult and the stumpy lake is brutal
on equipment. However, this is a crappie See the Top 50 Crappie Lakes for 2019 at
producing hotspot that will give up some three www.monstercrappie.com

11 Crappie NOW April 2019