Crappie

If you're chasing crappie in the Roanoke, Virginia area, Carvins Cove Reservoir is your best bet. This large body of water holds a respectable population of both black and white crappie, offering good fishing opportunities throughout the year. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn around brush piles and submerged timber. Look for them in coves and along the edges of weed beds. Small jigs and minnows are the go-to baits, and fishing them under a bobber is a classic technique. Carvins Cove has several boat ramps, making it easy to access different parts of the lake. In the fall and winter, crappie tend to move deeper, so you'll need to adjust your tactics accordingly. Fish around submerged structure and use your electronics to locate schools of fish. The crappie in Carvins Cove are generally good-sized, making it a worthwhile destination for crappie anglers.