Crappie

Crappie fishing near Troutville, Virginia, can be quite rewarding if you know where to look. Carvins Cove Reservoir is your best bet for consistently finding crappie. These fish tend to congregate around submerged structure, such as brush piles, fallen trees, and bridge pilings. Spring, as the water warms, is the prime time as crappie move into shallower water to spawn. Focus your efforts in the coves and creek arms of the reservoir. Minnows fished under a bobber are a classic and effective technique. Small jigs, especially those with bright colors, can also be productive. A fish finder can be invaluable for locating submerged structure and schools of crappie. Be aware of the depth – crappie often suspend at specific depths, so experiment until you find where they're holding. The boat ramp off Reservoir Road provides easy access.