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Looking for some help here. Typically fish for spots and strippers. Would love to add crappie to the list as online they say this lake is number 3 in state for crappie.
Not looking for anyone's fishing hole just general lake info an
d what to use. Make an annual trip to Truman lake in Missouri so not a total novice but totally lost on where to look on Smith.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Don't where you got the info on number 3 lake in Al for crappie but I would rate it at about number 33. I have only fished Smith a couple of times for crappie and found it to be the toughest lake I have ever fished for crappie and I have fished in at least 6 states for crappie. I am sure there are some locals who may can help you over there but I would not drive there just to crappie fish. Let us know how it turns out.
I don't agree with number3 either. Thanks for your comments. Have a place on Smith so don't have to make a special trip. Just hoping to find a good spot or two as I love to eat crappie. Usually bring back 100 or so filets from MO so I have to make them last
Hopefully I can find some in the cooler weather this fall and winter. May have to go over to Mississippi
With luck maybe I will get some more responses.
I'd never make a trip to Lewis Smith to crappie fish, but I had some friends that did well fishing there at night around docks with lights. they'd cast a keystone minnow. my guess would be to look for brush piles in 10-20 ft of water and start there either with a single pole or slow trolling. that lake is clear and deep. Id think the best place to start would be in sloughs with boat houses, or sharp drops or main lake points.
I've never fished smith but I talked with a guy that has he said shooting docks Is pretty good on smith. He did say you have to use 4lb low vis. Line because smith is so clear. Now this is second hand ifo. And I don't know the guy well.
Thanks guys. Great info that I can use. I am committed to finding crappie on this lake so very willing to try any useful info. Of course I will still fish for bass but always willing to learn and develop new skills
If you are wanting to fill the freezer you should try Guntersville or Pickwick on the Tenn., Weiss or any of the other Coosa River Lakes.
Thanks Roger, on my list however I want to focus on my back yard more this next year but will do as you suggest for the freezer. I am very happy with the excellent responses from you and others as it is very useful information. I also hope I will hear from folks who fish Smith and have had success.
Again, thanks to all who have responded.
Get u some dead cedars end some concrete blocks put them in some good spots maybe put you some Alfa tied to trees in onion or tater mesh bags .algae will start to grow with in a week or so.that will start your natural chain as long as you have minnows around they will bring the rest .
pm me. I fish swayback on rock creek and I love that lake. Going there tonight as a matter of fact.
the lights are the key. I would rather have 10big slabs out of smith than a limit out of wheeler. In the fall, good shiners are the ticket along with monkey milk and baby shad. DEEP, get used to a bobber stopper.
the middle of the night usually dies but afternoon and early morn can be awesome. I'm going for flathead tonight.
Just what I have been looking for. I have not done any night fishing but will try this year. I usually fish Rock Creek up to Duncan bridge area but will expand my search. Don't know what monkey milk is. I agree with 10 slabs as the fish coming out of Smith are exceptionally clean and tasty. Cats are amazing. Have you caught any apaloosa cats. They are the very best.
Thanks so much for your help. Don't seem to many folks on Smith on any board anywhere I look. I see plenty of other boats so I suspect most folks fish for the spots or stripes. I do to but love me some crappie and cats. Hope we meet on the water sometime.
Monkey milk is a color of a Bobby Garland jig. Yeah, I'd suggest getting off the big water and getting up in the sloughs and creeks. My honey hole is about 10-15 ft deep in the winter. I have about 5 lights from the launch that I'll hit in a night. The more cover the better. Ride the lake an scope out docks with lights. I will fish them until I meet an owner. I always make conversation and feel them out. most have no problem with it as long as I'm not interfering with their fishing. if I catch any slack, I just leave it alone. you will love it. its addictive.
Thanks again. Will be down next week and give it a try. Off to Academy n Basspro for some supplies. Maybe pick up a few crappie next week. Great info sure to help.
Have caught a few in clear creek. I fish Smith a few times a year and yes it can be a tough lake but I think there are plenty of crappie there (and big ones) just lots of water to cover.
That lake is one of the best habitats for any fish I have ever seen and well worth spending time on to figure it out.
Yes, great habitat. Fish are so clean so very good to eat. I will give Clear creek a look. Will be fishing this wkend. Have two couples and ghe wife coming in tomorrow. Would be nice to have some fresh fish especially some crappie slab. Thanks for the help.