Finding a mixed bag

[Darryl Morris]

We catching them but what's different this year is they are shallower than I normally would expect. We're catching them as shallow as 6-foot. They're not on every top but when you do find one they're loaded.



Another amazing thing is we are already catching some YOY (young of year - this year's spawn that are 2.5-3 inches long.) Their bellies are full and stuffed with insects, man they are growning fast. We know this to be so because we are catching some we can positively identify as last year's and the year before's.

[CrappieChic24]

Jim and I haven't had much luck lately! I guess we need to get back down to Greeson!!! We've been trying to do a little bass fishing!!! I taught him my crappie skills (which aren't much) and now he's teaching me his bass skills!!!!

Just wanted to tell you again how much we LOVED Crappie Camp!! I know the weather didn't cooperate BUT, we still had a blast! Thanks for telling us about the Little Missouri Falls....they were absolutely beautiful!!!!

Tammy

[gasper_goul]

your the man darryl....i've really enjoyed reading your's and jerry's articles on building crappie condos...i want to try it down here in the southern part of the state

[DRPEPPER]

I am glad they are acting better for you. It looks like the lake has dropped about 10' since I was there for CC; just looking at the bridge in the back ground.
DP

[Darryl Morris]

I am glad they are acting better for you. It looks like the lake has dropped about 10' since I was there for CC; just looking at the bridge in the back ground.
DP

Almost 17 foot since the peak.

[Southern Chuter]

You're ricght Chic; the falls were beautifull. We stopped and got a pizza and ate it at the park by the river on the way up? Looking forward to getting back up to Greeson and fishing with Darryl and Jerry. A couple of great guys.

[bc1448]

That's a nice mess of fish... Congrats on the catch!
Blake

[Arkie John]

Jim and I haven't had much luck lately! I guess we need to get back down to Greeson!!! We've been trying to do a little bass fishing!!! I taught him my crappie skills (which aren't much) and now he's teaching me his bass skills!!!!

Just wanted to tell you again how much we LOVED Crappie Camp!! I know the weather didn't cooperate BUT, we still had a blast! Thanks for telling us about the Little Missouri Falls....they were absolutely beautiful!!!!

Tammy

I took a look at your photos and they are really good! Looks like you had a good spring anyway.

Since the Crappie Camp I have not caught a decent crappie...but they will come eventually. Ouachita is a tough lake and I know it first-hand! lol

You two take care. Virginia (Gigi) and I enjoyed meeting you two at the camp, so much. Take care.

aj

[Darryl Morris]

I figured out why the crappie are shallow - no oxygen in the deeper depths. I was cleaning out my bait tank in my boat and filled a 5-gallon bucket with water from our deep pump (20-25' deep). Very shortly all the minnows were gasping for air. I'm sure it has to do with all the fresh water rain and flooding we got. Nonetheless, just another of the many, many factors we all have to consider when trying to locate the fish. So many I'd forgotten this one or at least wasn't considering it. I normally watch water temperature very closely, but I will be watching the condition of my baited minnow too from now on. If I try a spot and the minnows are dying quickly and easily you be asured the crappie aren't there because of the lack of oxygen.