Crappie are probably the most sought after fish in America and plenty are caught from shore. There are many great rivers throughout America that are home to the crappie. There are many ways to catch these delicious panfish and one is to cast from the river bank to likely crappie cover. This cover can be anything from rocky banks to lay-downs and depending on the time of year one will usually outperform the other.
ROCK: Steep, rocky banks that plummet deep into the river can be home to big schools of crappie. Steep rocky banks get less pressure because they just don’t look like the prime crappie spots we are used to like brush piles and lay-downs. This lack of pressure can lead to great fishing for river bank crappie. During early spring bait fish congregate among the areas rocky banks to gorge on the fresh algae that blooms this time of year. Shad will often use these areas to spawn as well and the crappie will follow. Look shallow coves and flats near these rocky river banks and you will find crappie. You have to move around when searching these areas as the cover or structure that are holding the crappie is usually invisible to the angler in the deeper water but probe these areas with a jig and bobber or the good old minnow until you catch a crappie. Where there is one there will be many so hang tight and these spots usually produce year after year so mark the spot with a predominate landmark you can return to each season for you river bank crappie fishing.
WOOD: Lay-downs are the most popular cover for crappie and usually gets the most fishing pressure throughout the year. Fishing river bank lay-downs can be more fickle than in lakes and reservoirs. Lay-downs along river banks can be here today gone tomorrow due to water level changes especially during the spring. This is no reason to by-pass lay-downs when doing your search for river bank crappie. Lay-downs are big attractors for crappie but not all wood is created equal and some lay-downs will hold crappie when others will not.
TACKLE: Your river bank tackle need not be complicated. A 6 foot medium light rod with a small spinning reel will do just fine. I have even used a 5 foot rod when the growth along the river is heavy. The shorter rod makes casting much easier in these situations. Many crappie anglers use 4 pound test line but when fishing for river bank crappie I would suggest 8 pound test monofilament line. Clear water is seldom an issue on rivers and with the current of most rivers 8 pound test will help you land more crappie especially when you locate those slabs that we all seek. A simple jig works fine for river crappie or for greater relaxation just a gold aberdeen hook and minnow under a float will do just fine. At times the float is a great addition to your jig presentation especially when fishing thick brush. A simple direct connect bobber will work most of the time but I always have a couple slip bobbers and some bobber stops in my small tackle box just in case the crappie are holding in deep water.
If you would like to search for some crappie from the river bank give these tips a try. Crappie are great tasting fish and also can provide great fun for you and your family. There is no need for expensive boats or gear to pursue these river crappie just a little time and patience and you too can catch your share of river bank crappie. GOOD FISHING!
About The Author
Ken McBroom is a freelance outdoor writer/photographer and active member of the HOOSIER OUTDOOR WRITERS. For more information please visit www.ramblingangler.com send comments to [email protected]