If you got there about Noon you were to late. We have found the bite really shuts down around 11am and before that if the sky is clear and the lake is flat calm. Dead lake and the cut between Crescent and Dead lake is my favorite areas. If it wasn't a 60 mile drive I would probably fish no where else for crappies. BTW the ramp on the NE end of dead lake is a great ramp and there is nice docks, RV spots, and a restaurant. The county charges $5 for using the ramp if you are not from that county. Pay at the restaurant. Don