Crappie

Crappie fishing near Resaca, Georgia, centers around the Coosawattee River and its impoundments like Carters Lake. Carters Lake, in particular, is known for its deep, clear water, which can make crappie a bit more challenging but also yields some real slabs. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move shallow to spawn, congregating around brush piles and submerged timber in the backs of creeks and coves. Focus on areas with a gradual depth change. Fall is another good window, as the fish school up again before winter. A good local tip is to use your electronics to locate submerged timber and brush piles – these are crappie magnets. Light tackle and small jigs, minnows, or crappie nibbles are effective. Be aware that Carters Lake has significant water level fluctuations, so check lake levels before you go and adjust your tactics accordingly. The crappie here tend to be a mix of black and white crappie, with some reaching impressive sizes.