Cave Run is my home lake, so I will give my two cents worth. Late March through mid-May are the best times to catch large numbers of Crappie on Cave Run, with mid-April to mid-May being the peek time. It all depends on the warming trends during that season. Last March my dad and I caught some really nice pre-spawn crappie in the Licking River, but a uncharacteristic warm front had moved in during early March and we were able to find the fish in shallow water around laydowns. These fish were not spawning yet, but were moving up shallow in search of bait fish and warmer water. If the temperatures are warm, I would suggest fishing in the Licking River around the Bangor area or in Beaver Creek close to Long Bow Marina. Both areas are full of both standing timber and laydowns that can be fished with slip floats and minnows or jigs tipped with minnows. We have our best luck early in the year on slip floats and live bait, but do catch some nice ones early on 1/8 oz. jigheads with red/white or red/chartreuse tubes. If the weather does not show a warming trend, you should be able to pick up some fish in those same areas fishing with a slip float and minnows around the main river channel or creek channel. You may catch fish anywhere from 8-18 feet deep. If the sun comes out, they usually move up in the water column. Late April is the best time to find the crappie shallow and spawning. Cave Run is full of shoreline cover and some very nice 11-15 inch crappie are caught during this time. Also, you can't beat the sound of Longbeards gobbling from the mountains surrounding the lake. Cave Run is known for its Muskie fishing, but some years the crappie fishing can be fantastic.

As for lake maps, Fishing Hotspots makes a map that is decent and it will indicate the hazards that are in the lake. Remember that Beaver Creek's running lane is marked by bouys, but the Licking River channel is not. The river can be a major hazard for those who don't know the running lane. Take it easy if you fish there. Message me again as your trip gets closer, and I should be able to give you a report, as we will start hitting it hard this month, weather permitting. Hopefully I can put you on some fish.