Crappie

If you're after crappie, Decatur, Alabama, and the Tennessee River are a fantastic place to start. Wheeler Lake, in particular, is renowned for its crappie fishing. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into shallow bays and creeks to spawn. Target submerged brush piles, creek channels, and docks with jigs or minnows suspended under a float. As the water warms in summer, crappie tend to move deeper, congregating around ledges and structure. Trolling with crankbaits or spider-rigging with multiple jigs can be effective then. Fall sees another surge in crappie activity as they fatten up for winter. A key to success here is finding the right depth. The crappie population in Wheeler Lake is robust, with good numbers of both black and white crappie. The Ingalls Harbor boat ramp is a popular and convenient access point.