Crappie

Crappie fishing near Clarkston can be quite rewarding if you know where to look. While you won't find massive reservoirs nearby, smaller lakes and ponds in the area, and even the slower sections of the South River, can hold decent populations of crappie. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into shallow water to spawn. Look for areas with submerged structure, such as brush piles and fallen trees. A popular technique is to fish with live minnows under a bobber, or to use small jigs. A local tip: check out Stone Mountain Lake; while it requires a park pass, it's regularly stocked and offers good crappie fishing from the shore or by boat. The crappie in this area tend to be relatively small, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Focus on fishing early in the morning or late in the evening for the best results. Be sure to check local regulations for size and creel limits before you head out.