Reelfoot Lake

I realize that temperatures,and rain play a big role, but do you guys have a rule of thumb on a window of time where a guy could catch crappie still in the late spring, and get on the bluegill also?

Also, do any of the guides fish methods other than spider rigging? I would like to hire one or two for a group of four to six people, but we won't be able to replicate that style of fishing in the rented boats from Bluebank. I know that's a great way to catch fish, but we won't have any personal boats with us,and would rather learn how to be successful in a way we can try ourselves the remainder of our trip.

Thanks for any time you have to answer! I'm sure you guys get these same questions all the time.

There are many good guides up there on the lake Kirk Palmer, Jason Sandage Jackie Van Cleave, Billy Blakey and several others. If you are staying at Blue Bank Billy guides out of there. There are several of these guys on crappie.com & facebook you could message for more details of what style fishing you can do with them. I spider rig a lot in late spring but still jig trees at this time of year.

Are there many areas in reelfoot with big pad lilies? Also when you jig trees, is that shallow or deep? Cypress? Would mid march be a good time to go, weather providing of course? I have only seen it once, but I'm not to far to pull the camper and boat up there. Thanks, "D"

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Originally Posted by "D"

Are there many areas in reelfoot with big pad lilies? Also when you jig trees, is that shallow or deep? Cypress? Would mid march be a good time to go, weather providing of course? I have only seen it once, but I'm not to far to pull the camper and boat up there. Thanks, "D"

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We have started as early as Feb. jigging trees in 5' of water. Those black crappie will be in them pad stems. Now later on in April May the pads get big but many areas have been sprayed so there is nothing there any more.

They killed some pads in some really prime areas and didn't touch some places that they should have. Those pads usually heat up in late April