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How to Catch Crappie During Lake Drawdown
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I know what you are thinking. It’s way too early to be thinking about lakes being drawn down to winter pool, however, winter drawdown has started a number of reservoirs. At the start of the drawdown water temperatures are peaking at the hottest temperature and as the drawdown process continues the water levels drop and so do the temperatures.
Grenada, Enid and Sardis fishing guide John Harrison with JH Guide Service has guided and fished for years during lake drawdown. “August begins the process of lake drawdown on Grenada, Enid and Sardis in Mississippi,” Harrison continued, “The lake drawdown will continue as the Vicksburg District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers regulate the water levels in all 3 lakes. As it drops I will adjust to keep catching crappie on one of the 3 lakes.”
“Right now I’m using a 1-ounce B’n’M Poles Capps and Coleman rig,” Harrison continued, “Rigged with minnows, but that will change as lake drawdown continues in to December and January. I will say that when the lake turns over during lake drawdown it doesn’t seem to get as muddy as it used too.”
For these Mississippi reservoirs as the lake is drawn down the number of available ramps decrease without enough water to be usable. “I will switch over to Enid or Sardis,” Harrison went on, “Both of them have enough water at one of the ramps to launch, however, December and January can be a very slow bite compared to the rest of the year that’s why right now I’m doing so many trips.”
Right now Harrison is spider rigging with 18 foot B’n’M Poles PST with Capps and Coleman Minnow Rigs. These are pre-tied and rigged on a plastic holder. The rigs allow Harrison to quickly change out the weight or if one breaks off retie.
“For now I’m fishing 1- or 1 ½-foot off the bottom of the lake where the coolest water is located,” Harrison went on, “Right now on Grenada that’s 15- to 20-feet deep and going fast at .7 or .8-mph. I’m focusing on little underwater points out into the main lake. They might be on the points or we will run into crappie just out suspending in open water that’s 90 degrees or warmer. Crazy thing is some are just sucking the scales off the minnow or just tapping it, but if it goes easy down we’ll set the hook on them.”
Harrison noted crappie will follow the ledges and drops as the drawdown continues to the end of the year. “Crappie will follow the balls of shad and blowup on the school under water spraying them everywhere, however, the cooler water temperatures require a more finesse approach with muddy water clarity which means I will slow up and use a lighter ½- to ¾-ounce Capps and Coleman Minnow Rig,” Harrison continued, “I will also slow up in the colder water to .3-mph. The crappie aren’t going to chase them like they did during the early drawdown.”
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When fishing during lake drawdowns Harrison recommended checking the internet for notices of boat ramp closures on Grenada, Enid and Sardis in Mississippi. As the water drops the list will increase making them unusable. Also to use a lighter weight minnow rig and go slow around .3-mph and just barely move as the crappie will want a slow moving presentation.
How to Catch Crappie During Lake Drawdown - by Brad Wiegmann
