I live a couple miles from the Ar river and I rarely crappie fish it any more. If I was going today, I would do the same thing you did and probably have the same results. I would say that right now it is especially tough because of the low water flow. At best 10,000 cfs. Thats hardly any currant and the crappie could be roaming anywhere. If the flow was 30,000 - 40,000 cfs then they would be pulling in closer to cover. The baitfish even gets more concentrated. At least that narrows down the search. Just my humble opinion.