Carlyle ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BondCountySlabs

Most anglers say bad things about Carlyle crappie because they don't know how to catch them! plenty of hotels and cabins in the area Carlyle, Keyesport and Greenville have all you will need. best of luck if you head down!

---

So you would suggest Carlyle Lake to someone that doesn't fish it regularly or never fished it? The OP has never been to Carlyle Lake. It isn't an easy lake to fish and can be very dangerous to newbies...especially north of the tracks as it looks easily navigable but is nothing but stumps just under the surface. To those of us that do and know how to fish it, it's great. As I would say it has a better population of larger crappie than Shelbyville and Rend.

But for someone that has never fished it and might have limited time off to fish. Rend Lake and Shelbyville would be better choices for both ease of fishing and safer lakes.

OP, I also don't get out as much as I would like and come here to see how others are doing and get advise. For what its worth, I find the end of March and beginning of April to be a bit tougher to find them when compared to the beginning of March and end of April. Seems to me they are moving deep to shallow about the time you said you were planning your trip.

My post mentioned to try the xmas tree drops near the boat launches . none are in or near any standing timber in the north so im not sure what your implying is 'dangerous" of any sorts and have plenty of depth . Plenty of places on rend to get in trouble shallow timber for a person that has only fished it a few times. I would think a person would look at a map of some kind before fishing a new lake and do some research such as the OP is doing a good job of!, especially with internet access and on a crappie forum. And yes, I would recommended carlyle . not any more or less "dangerous" than any other of the lakes mentioned for new visitors . excellent size and numbers as others would agree! All are lakes mentioned are excellent fisheries and have their own strengths.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Illinois_angler

Kinkaid for a chance at a BIG crappie. Shelbyville for a relaxing trip. Rend for quality numbers of fish. Rend is easy...follow the crowd...bridges or buck brush. :ThumbsUp

---

So why would you not mention Lake of Egypt and Crab Orchard?