I haven't been to Barkley in many, many years ... but, when I did go there - it was usually thru the last week in April. By that time the Crappie were usually already in the buckbrush and shallow stump beds in the coves and creeks. I would tent camp at the COE campgrounds next to the Canal ... just up the road from Grand Rivers, Ky. I'm sure there are many more places to eat and bed down now ... than there were then. I fished the coves and pockets from Barkley Dam to the prison ... but, only those that had buckbrush or stumps. A large minnow under a float, about 18 inches deep, dropped in and around stumps ... brush piles ... or into the openings of the buckbushes, would usually produce the larger fish. And, yes ... 2lb fish were quite common.
I don't know if that much has changed at Barkley, over the years, but you can always post your question on the main board ... someone who fishes there now, will surely answer. Also check thru your search engine of choice, and find some sites with updated fishing reports. ....luck2ya ......cp