Help Learning Summer Patterns

Hi, fellas. So, I bought a little 8ft pond prowler boat from bass pro shops last year. I added a little 2hp outboard to it so I could reach a few more places than my trolling motor would get me to.

I normally fish Fort Loudon and Tellico lakes. I was lucky enough to figure out how to locate crappie while the water was low (November-March), because there always seems to be crappie on lay downs.

That said, once water levels and temps went back up… I’m not having any luck finding them. The only electronics I have is a Garmin Striker 4, so no side scan or live scope. Can any of you guys give me some advice on the best method to hunt for them? I’m still a bit limited on how much water I can cover in a single trip, because my boat only hours about 5mph.

If you are familiar with either of these lakes, are there certain creek channels or areas of the lakes where crappie go in Summer? Any help would be appreciated.

I’m also wondering if building myself a few stake beds and sinking them this year would create some spots for me next year.

Really wanting to learn how to find them so I can catch those babies all year long! I never keep them, because I don’t even eat fish. They’re just so much fun!

Both lakes are loaded with deep brush especially in the creeks an plenty in the main lake parts to
Go in the creeks an look for creek channel drop offs an most of them will have brush
Or fish deep docks in creeks or main lake i like them real early in the morning during dog days of summer