Crappie.com - Tim Huffman's, Advanced Seasonal Structure from Crappie NOW

Narrow Channels? We hear a lot about fishing channels and it’s true these indentions in the bottom contour are often crappie magnets. Is there really a big difference in the types of channels? The answer is ‘yes’.

What Is a Narrow Channel?
The term narrow is relative. For example, on a recent trip we were fishing 30 feet deep ledges just off of a channel. The channel was only 40 to 50 feet wide but it was a definite key to finding and catching crappie. A narrow channel may be one foot or 10 feet deep. The shallower ones in shallow water are killer spots in the spring. But what about now? Same thing if you adjust the depth to the depth of the fish. Silting in many of our older lakes has caused narrowing and less depth of the channels but they can still be great fishing if located in water deep enough for the fish.

Finding Fish
As with any trip, a map and locator is important. Start by using electronics to scan for fish, baitfish and the right depth. Then, pay special attention to small channels or indentions and any cover you find. These can be the key to catching or not catching fish. A small channel can be difficult to stay on so start by using two or three marker buoys. You can crisscross the channel and mark one side of the ledge at different spots. These will help you stay on either ledge, just off the ledge or in the middle of the channel without intensely watching your locator. Finding good cover is important so you should mark these as waypoints if you have a GPS unit. These can be good during this trip
and on future trips.

Fishing
A narrow channel in cold weather may mean you’re facing 20 to 30 foot depths in many of the stained water lakes. Fish are deeper in clearer water. If you have scattered cover where fish are concentrated you can vertically jig fish at these depths. However, in most situations slow trolling will be the best tactic. Slow trolling can use the state limit of poles. In most northern areas you can use two poles. As you move south, pole limits become more liberal. No matter if you use one, two, three or more poles the tactic is the same. You’re using the boat to make bait presentations. Therefore, the key to successful slow trolling is maintaining good boat control. Unless fish are suspended, start by dropping your bait all the way to the bottom. A double-hook minnow rig with baits separated two or three feet is a good choice. After reaching bottom, take up slack line plus another half foot. This will keep your baits near bottom. When you find cover the baits will be where you want them. Read the rest of Tim Huffman’s Advanced Seasonal Structure and see the Humminbird Screen Shots at Crappie NOW Magazine.