Hi Tony,
Have you tried the crappie in your "backdoor" below Calhoun Dam? I use a very simple rig to catch crappie in these areas. Med to Med heavy action Spinning rod with at least 12 lb test, tie 1/4 to 1/2 ounce weight on bottom, and then tie a crappie hook up the line about 12 to 16 inches. "Feel around" in the brush keeping your sinker just off the bottom. Line must be strong enough to bend the hook when you get "hung up". I like to hook the minnow thru the eyes so he can't see what is going to happen to him.

Tom