Crappie

Crappie fishing around Blue Ridge is primarily focused on Lake Blue Ridge and smaller surrounding reservoirs. These fish are a popular target, offering both good eating and accessible fishing. Spring, particularly during the pre-spawn and spawn, is the absolute best time to target crappie, as they move into shallower water near brush and submerged timber. Small jigs and minnows fished under a bobber are classic and effective presentations. Focus your efforts around standing timber and brush piles. A helpful local tip: Check with local bait shops for the latest information on where crappie are staging and what they're biting. The crappie in Lake Blue Ridge can be somewhat scattered due to the lake's depth and clarity, so using electronics to locate schools is highly recommended. While you might not find trophy slabs, a consistent population of keeper-sized crappie makes for a rewarding trip.