If extending the closure of Smith and Duncan bays until May 1st will help bring the crappie population up, then it may be something to consider. I guess one question is how many crappie normally spawn in these bays. And two, can these areas be protected from illegal fishing activities?

Another option may be to implement an 11 inch size limit. The Mississippi lakes with their growth rate seem to be able to support a 12 inch limit, not sure about a 12 inch limit on Ky Lake. It seems like there are lots of suggestions about how to improve the fishery and no easy answers.