A few years ago, an excellent crappie spawn took place in the low-water conditions brought on by a period of drought, and the individuals within that year-class get bigger every year. They should be around 10 to 12 inches long this year and weigh about 3/4 pound, although bigger slabs are in the lake. Hartwell should be excellent this year, especially for taking an average fish.

Start looking for crappie over structure like sunken roadbeds and standing timber near the mouths of coves and creeks in early March. As the water warms follow the schools back into the creeks and coves, trolling for them. Watch for schools of baitfish as well as the crappie as you troll. The papermouths follow the shad as them move in.

By early April the crappie should be back in the coves spawning around bushes and other cover. Check out Eastanollee, Gum Log and Shoal creeks for better chances at crappie, since those creeks have more color to the water. That usually makes catching the fish easier. If the water's too clear, it can be hard to get them to bite when they're really shallow. The stained water's also more fertile, and supports more fish.

Late in the spring, follow the fish back out trolling the creek channels and over standing timber. Night-fishing's excellent in the clear water under bridges or in the flooded timber. Try different depths until the fish start hitting and tell you where they're holding.

All of these lakes offer great crappie fishing this spring. Pick one near you or head out to find new waters. Don't miss one of the best times of the year for catching some slabs.