Crappie fishing, Lewis Smith Lake

[Mmayo13]

Looking for some help here. Typically fish for spots and strippers. Would love to add crappie to the list as online they say this lake is number 3 in state for crappie.

Not looking for anyone's fishing hole just general lake info an
d what to use. Make an annual trip to Truman lake in Missouri so not a total novice but totally lost on where to look on Smith.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[RogerA]

Don't where you got the info on number 3 lake in Al for crappie but I would rate it at about number 33. I have only fished Smith a couple of times for crappie and found it to be the toughest lake I have ever fished for crappie and I have fished in at least 6 states for crappie. I am sure there are some locals who may can help you over there but I would not drive there just to crappie fish. Let us know how it turns out.

[Mmayo13]

I don't agree with number3 either. Thanks for your comments. Have a place on Smith so don't have to make a special trip. Just hoping to find a good spot or two as I love to eat crappie. Usually bring back 100 or so filets from MO so I have to make them last

Hopefully I can find some in the cooler weather this fall and winter. May have to go over to Mississippi

With luck maybe I will get some more responses.

[abarkley]

I'd never make a trip to Lewis Smith to crappie fish, but I had some friends that did well fishing there at night around docks with lights. they'd cast a keystone minnow. my guess would be to look for brush piles in 10-20 ft of water and start there either with a single pole or slow trolling. that lake is clear and deep. Id think the best place to start would be in sloughs with boat houses, or sharp drops or main lake points.

[lowe175]

I've never fished smith but I talked with a guy that has he said shooting docks Is pretty good on smith. He did say you have to use 4lb low vis. Line because smith is so clear. Now this is second hand ifo. And I don't know the guy well.

[Mmayo13]

Thanks guys. Great info that I can use. I am committed to finding crappie on this lake so very willing to try any useful info. Of course I will still fish for bass but always willing to learn and develop new skills

[RogerA]

If you are wanting to fill the freezer you should try Guntersville or Pickwick on the Tenn., Weiss or any of the other Coosa River Lakes.

[Mmayo13]

Thanks Roger, on my list however I want to focus on my back yard more this next year but will do as you suggest for the freezer. I am very happy with the excellent responses from you and others as it is very useful information. I also hope I will hear from folks who fish Smith and have had success.

Again, thanks to all who have responded.

[Slabprowler]

Get u some dead cedars end some concrete blocks put them in some good spots maybe put you some Alfa tied to trees in onion or tater mesh bags .algae will start to grow with in a week or so.that will start your natural chain as long as you have minnows around they will bring the rest .

[Mudtar001]

pm me. I fish swayback on rock creek and I love that lake. Going there tonight as a matter of fact.
the lights are the key. I would rather have 10big slabs out of smith than a limit out of wheeler. In the fall, good shiners are the ticket along with monkey milk and baby shad. DEEP, get used to a bobber stopper.
the middle of the night usually dies but afternoon and early morn can be awesome. I'm going for flathead tonight.