You are down near one of the better crappie lakes on the west side, IMO. Silver Lake in Cowlitz County, just north of Longview. It has been good in both fall and spring for me. With a little time on the lake, I assume you could find them all year long, I just haven't had that kind of time there as it is a couple hour drive for me to get there.

As well, you could fish the backwaters of the Columbia, you may be surprised that there are crappies in some of them.

Best of luck!

Andy