Crappie

Crappie fishing around Connelly Springs, North Carolina, centers on Lake Rhodhiss and Lake Hickory. Both lakes hold good populations of crappie, with Rhodhiss being particularly known for its slab crappie. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move into shallow coves and around submerged structure to spawn. Minnows and jigs fished under a bobber are classic crappie presentations. During the summer months, crappie tend to move deeper, congregating around submerged brush piles and bridge pilings. A practical tip is to use your electronics to locate these structure hotspots. In the fall, crappie will again move shallower as the water cools. Lake Rhodhiss can be murky, so use brighter colored jigs or add scent to your bait. Public boat ramps provide good access to both lakes, but be mindful of boat traffic, particularly on weekends. Focus your efforts on areas with submerged timber and creek channels for consistent crappie action.