Crappie

If you're chasing crappie in New Castle, Virginia, you'll want to focus your efforts on the area's smaller lakes and ponds, as well as the slower-moving sections of the Craig Creek. These waters offer the calm, protected environments crappie prefer. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn, often congregating around submerged structure like fallen trees and brush piles. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the most productive times. For bank access, try the public areas around the Potts Mountain Reservoir; a small boat or kayak will greatly expand your reach. Local tip: crappie in these waters can be a bit finicky, so experiment with different jig colors and sizes. A good starting point is a small white or chartreuse tube jig under a bobber, fished near cover. The crappie population here tends to be healthy, but individual fish may not reach trophy sizes, so focus on numbers and enjoy the overall experience.