Crappie

If Crappie are your target near Columbus, Georgia, then the Chattahoochee River and its backwater sloughs should be on your radar. Spring is undoubtedly the best time, as crappie move into shallower waters to spawn. Focus on submerged timber, brush piles, and creek mouths where crappie congregate. Minnows and jigs are standard fare, but experiment with colors to see what's working best on any given day. A practical tip for Columbus anglers is to pay attention to water clarity. If the river is muddy after heavy rains, crappie will often move into clearer backwater areas. Lake Oliver, just north of Columbus, also holds a decent crappie population. The crappie in this region tend to be relatively fast growing due to the longer growing season. They can be found near the submerged trees in the lake.