Bluegills Largemouth Bass Crappie Channel Catfish

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Bluegills Largemouth Bass Crappie Channel Catfish This is a fishing forecast for the Omaha targeting large bass may want to check out metro. The forecast includes figures for area Memphis SRA just north of Ashland. public water bodies that were surveyed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission during Crappie *2011 and 2012. Therefore, there may be other Crappies are highly regarded by anglers and water bodies in the area that provide good are often considered to be among the best fishing opportunities that are not included in tasting freshwater fish. Crappies prefer habitat this forecast (see map). The following information will help anglers decide on where with sheltered coves or bays with and the best fishing for a variety of species can be abundance of cover and aquatic vegetation. found based on survey results. Anglers seeking Anglers looking for plenty of eating-size more information on area lakes such as crappies should head to Wehrspann, Standing locations, lake maps, regulations and stocking Bear, or Walnut Creek. However, the drive to reports are encouraged to browse the Nebraska Memphis SRA may pay off with a few crappies Game and Parks’ website at greater than 12 inches. www.outdoornebraska.org . Channel Catfish Bluegills Channel catfish are popular throughout Nebraska and can be found in almost every Bluegills prefer clean water and an reservoir and river in the metro area. Some abundance of aquatic plants. They are an waters to note for catfish anglers in the Omaha excellent fish for beginning anglers to pursue. metro area would be Two Rivers SRA and Bluegills can be caught year round, but may be Wehrspann. Memphis SRA, which is not listed most susceptible to anglers during the spawn. on the figure, will also provide excellent Spawning activity peaks when water opportunity for both numbers and size. temperatures are 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, The Platte River, water willing, will also usually late May or early June. Recreational provide some good catfishing opportunities. anglers or beginners who just want to catch Anglers should target log jams in deep holes or numbers of fish should head to Zorinsky or channel drop offs. Nightcrawlers, stink bait, or Walnut Creek, while anglers targeting larger cut bait are all good bait options. Public access bluegills should try Wehrspann or CenturyLink. on the Platte River can be found at Schilling Largemouth Bass WMA, Louisville SRA, Platte River State Park, Largemouth bass are routinely targeted by Schramm Park SRA, Two Rivers SRA, Platte anglers and are known for their aggressiveness River Landing near Valley, Hormel Park in and fighting ability. Largemouth bass, like Fremont, Bramble WMA, Whitetail WMA, or bluegills and other members of the sunfish Tailrace Park in Columbus. family, prefer clean water and an abundance of The Elkhorn and Missouri Rivers will also shallow water cover. Metro reservoirs such as offer some excellent fishing for channel catfish. Walnut Creek and Wehrspann will offer a good Anglers should be able to catch channel catfish opportunity to catch largemouth bass greater throughout the rivers using variety of baits such than 15 inches. Sand pits, such as those found as nightcrawlers, cut bait, stink bait, or shrimp. within Louisville SRA, will provide great opportunity for both numbers and size. Anglers Flathead Catfish asked to report all tagged fish to the Nebraska Game and Parks. Anglers are required to Flathead catfish are a true trophy fish and release all northern pike caught at both provide a great battle on a rod and reel. Cunningham and Lake Wanahoo. Flathead catfish can be found throughout the Missouri, Elkhorn, and Platte Rivers, and Bullheads thanks to the University of Nebraska sampling Bullheads provide a great fishing opportunity crew, we have some catch data from the for beginners and children because they are Missouri River. Areas near the Bartlett, IA or easy to catch and a simple hook and worm is all NP Dodge Park boat ramp look to be good for you need. Catchable sized bullheads are both numbers and large fish. Further to the stocked at state recreation area lakes Louisville south, areas near Indian Cave State Park and No. 2A, Two Rivers No. 6, and Two Rivers No. Peru Bottoms will also provide anglers a chance 7. at some larger fish. The University of Nebraska is also conducting a tagging study on channel Rainbow Trout and flathead catfish and asks all anglers to Although the Omaha metro doesn’t have report tagged fish to the phone number on the cold-water streams that support trout, there is tag. still plenty of opportunity in and around Omaha to catch them. Rainbow trout are routinely stocked at Two Rivers No. 5, Standing Bear, Other Species Benson Lake, Hitchcock Lake, Towl Lake, Lake Walleye Halleck, and CenturyLink Lake (Qwest Lake). Anglers targeting walleyes in the Omaha Shovelnose Sturgeon metro will want to try Wehrspann and Shovelnose sturgeon, the smallest sturgeon Cunningham. The Missouri River will also species found in North America, are a unique provide opportunity to catch walleye or sauger. and ancient looking fish. Shovelnose sturgeon Anglers looking for good large-reservoir walleye can be found in the Platte, Elkhorn, and fishing opportunities should look into the Missouri Rivers. The University of Nebraska has statewide fishing forecast. been researching shovelnose sturgeon in the Blue Catfish lower Platte River for the last few years and Blue catfish can be found in Wehrspann as provided us with some catch data. Anglers well as the Platte, Elkhorn, and Missouri Rivers. targeting shovelnose sturgeon should try nightcrawlers on channel drop offs or areas of Northern Pike shallow swift current, and will have their best Around 1,300 ten-inch northern pike were chance at Schillling WMA, the Louisville area, stocked into Cunningham reservoir in late 2012 or near Ashland. The University of Nebraska is and will provide a unique fishing experience in also conducting a tagging study and asks all the Omaha metro in years to come. anglers to report tagged fish to the phone Lake Wanahoo will also provide a unique number on the tag. fishing opportunity to catch northern pike in Eastern Nebraska. The northern pike tagging study will continue in 2013 and anglers are * 2011 Survey .
Recommended publications
  • Crawford Reservoir
    Crawford Reservoir FISH SURVEY AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION Eric Gardunio, Fish Biologist Montrose Service Center General Information: Crawford Reservoir is a popular fishery that provides angling opportunity for yellow perch, channel catfish, northern pike, rainbow trout, black crappie, and largemouth bass. This reser- voir, located in Crawford State Park, covers 414 surface acres at full capacity and is open year round to an- gling. Visit the State Parks website for information on regulations, camping, and recreation: http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/Crawford Location: 2 miles south of the town of Crawford on Hwy 92. Primary Management: Warmwater Mixed Species Lake Category 602 Amenities Previous Stocking Sportfishing Notes 2019 Black Crappie Boat Ramps (2) Rainbow Trout (10”): 9,100 Good spots include the East Campgrounds (2) Largemouth Bass (2”): 30,088 shore primarily around the Showers Clear Fork boat ramp cove or Largemouth Bass (6”): 150 anywhere with brush Visitors Center Largemouth Bass (20”): 70 Good baits include small tube Restrooms Channel Catfish (7”): 1,500 jigs and worms Parking Areas 2018 Channel Catfish Picnic Shelters Rainbow Trout (10”): 12,184 Good spots include the north Largemouth Bass (2”): 30,000 side of peninsula cove and near the dam Channel Catfish (7”): 4,250 Good baits include night 2017 crawlers and cut-bait WARNING !!! Rainbow Trout (10”): 12,184 Largemouth Bass Prevent the Spread of Largemouth Bass (2”): 20,000 Good spots include the rocky Zebra Mussels and other Largemouth Bass (16”): 70 areas near the dam and flood- Aquatic Nuisance Species ed brush and vegetation in the Channel Catfish (9”): 2,000 spring and summer.
    [Show full text]
  • Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary
    2 Kansas Fishing 0 Regulations 0 5 Summary The new Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP) promises to increase opportunities for anglers to fish close to home. For detailed information, see Page 16. PURCHASE FISHING LICENSES AND VIEW WEEKLY FISHING REPORTS ONLINE AT THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS' WEBSITE, WWW.KDWP.STATE.KS.US TABLE OF CONTENTS Wildlife and Parks Offices, e-mail . Zebra Mussel, White Perch Alerts . State Record Fish . Lawful Fishing . Reservoirs, Lakes, and River Access . Are Fish Safe To Eat? . Definitions . Fish Identification . Urban Fishing, Trout, Fishing Clinics . License Information and Fees . Special Event Permits, Boats . FISH Access . Length and Creel Limits . Community Fisheries Assistance . Becoming An Outdoors-Woman (BOW) . Common Concerns, Missouri River Rules . Master Angler Award . State Park Fees . WILDLIFE & PARKS OFFICES KANSAS WILDLIFE & Maps and area brochures are available through offices listed on this page and from the PARKS COMMISSION department website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. As a cabinet-level agency, the Kansas Office of the Secretary AREA & STATE PARK OFFICES Department of Wildlife and Parks is adminis- 1020 S Kansas Ave., Rm 200 tered by a secretary of Wildlife and Parks Topeka, KS 66612-1327.....(785) 296-2281 Cedar Bluff SP....................(785) 726-3212 and is advised by a seven-member Wildlife Cheney SP .........................(316) 542-3664 and Parks Commission. All positions are Pratt Operations Office Cheyenne Bottoms WA ......(620) 793-7730 appointed by the governor with the commis- 512 SE 25th Ave. Clinton SP ..........................(785) 842-8562 sioners serving staggered four-year terms. Pratt, KS 67124-8174 ........(620) 672-5911 Council Grove WA..............(620) 767-5900 Serving as a regulatory body for the depart- Crawford SP .......................(620) 362-3671 ment, the commission is a non-partisan Region 1 Office Cross Timbers SP ..............(620) 637-2213 board, made up of no more than four mem- 1426 Hwy 183 Alt., P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Crappie and Crappie Fishing
    Crappie & Crappie Fishing Crappie are among the most popular sport fishes in Texas. They are known by various names including white perch, sac-a-lait, calico bass, and paper-mouth. Two species are found in Texas, the white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) and black crappie (P. nigromaculatus). Black crap­ pie have irregular dark speck­ les and blotches on their sides. On white crappie, the dark markings consist of regularly arranged vertical bars. When in doubt, count the number of sharp dorsal spines at the front of a crappie’s dorsal fin. Black crappie have seven or eight spines while white crappie Young crappie feed on microscopic crustaceans called have five or six. During the spawning season, males of zooplankton. Juveniles and adults feed primarily on both species develop dark markings over most of the small threadfin and gizzard shad and insect larvae, es­ body, causing many anglers to misidentify male white pecially mayflies. Their diet also includes minnows, crappie as black crappie. silversides, other crappie and any other fish small enough to swallow. Black crappie are more numerous in the clear, acidic to slightly alkaline waters of East Texas. White crappie are found state­ In lakes with low bass populations, crappie often wide. Fish of both species may live up to eight years and overpopulate and become stunted. For crappie to reach become sexually mature at one to two years. Crappie belong larger sizes, populations must experience high total mor­ to the same family as the sunfishes and black basses; like tality to keep their numbers within the carrying capacity their cousins, crappie are nest builders.
    [Show full text]
  • Sandies, Hybrids Hot Bites
    Hunting Texas Special section inside * August 8, 2008 Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Volume 4, Issue 24 * Hunting Annual 2008 www.lonestaroutdoornews.com INSIDE HUNTING Sandies, hybrids hot bites Schools keep anglers in class The Texas Animal Health Commission approved new BY CRAIG NYHUS rules permitting the transport of male hogs to Summer means hot white bass and hybrid striped authorized game ranches bass action at many Texas lakes, and North Texas without requiring blood lakes like Lake Ray Hubbard, Ray Roberts, Lewisville tests for swine disease. and Richland Chambers lead the way for many. Page 6 Gary Goldsmith, a retired principal, fished Lewisville Lake with Art Kenney and Michael The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Anderson. “We caught and released more than 100 Service approved liberal sand bass reaching the 2-pound mark,” Goldsmith waterfowl limits for the said. “With 30 minutes of daylight left we went to an 2008-2009 season. area called Queen’s Point for hybrids. As soon as we Page 7 started the bite was on — we caught 20 more fish at that spot.” FISHING The group was fishing Lead Babies Slabs in 18 feet of water. “It’s best to keep them as close to the bottom as possible when fishing for hybrids,” Goldsmith said. East Texas lakes find crappie fishermen switching gears to chase sandies when the crappie bite slows. West Texas reservoirs see the whites hitting on top. And in the Hill Country, the Highland Lakes often get hot. “All of the fish are on the main lakes,” said Joe Bray, who guides on several Hill Country lakes.
    [Show full text]
  • The Koi Herpesvirus (Khv): an Alloherpesviru
    Aquacu nd ltu a r e s e J Bergmann et al., Fish Aquac J 2016, 7:2 i o r u e r h n http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2150-3508.1000169 s a i l F Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal ISSN: 2150-3508 ResearchResearch Artilce Article OpenOpen Access Access Is There Any Species Specificity in Infections with Aquatic Animal Herpesviruses?–The Koi Herpesvirus (KHV): An Alloherpesvirus Model Sven M Bergmann1*, Michael Cieslak1, Dieter Fichtner1, Juliane Dabels2, Sean J Monaghan3, Qing Wang4, Weiwei Zeng4 and Jolanta Kempter5 1FLI Insel Riems, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany 2University of Rostock, Aquaculture and Sea Ranching, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, Rostock 18059, Germany 3Aquatic Vaccine Unit, Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK 4Pearl-River Fisheries Research Institute, Xo. 1 Xingyu Reoad, Liwan District, Guangzhou 510380, P. R. of China 5West Pomeranian Technical University, Aquaculture, K. Królewicza 4, 71-550, Szczecin, Poland Abstract Most diseases induced by herpesviruses are host-specific; however, exceptions exist within the family Alloherpesviridae. Most members of the Alloherpesviridae are detected in at least two different species, with and without clinical signs of a disease. In the current study the Koi herpesvirus (KHV) was used as a model member of the Alloherpesviridae and rainbow trout as a model salmonid host, which were infected with KHV by immersion. KHV was detected using direct methods (qPCR and semi-nested PCR) and indirect (enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay; ELISA, serum neutralization test; SNT). The non-koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD)-susceptible salmonid fish were demonstrated to transfer KHV to naïve carp at two different temperatures including a temperature most suitable for the salmonid (15°C) and cyprinid (20°C).
    [Show full text]
  • Status Review and Management Outline for Quality Bluegill and Black Crappie Populations in the Grand Rapids Area
    Status Review and Management Outline for Quality Bluegill and Black Crappie Populations in the Grand Rapids Area. Revised in 2013 By David L. Weitzel Assistant Area Fisheries Supervisor MN DNR, Grand Rapids Area Fisheries Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3 Bass Lake ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Blackwater, Jay Gould, and Little Jay Gould lakes ...................................................................................... 10 Cut Foot and Little Cut Foot Sioux lakes ..................................................................................................... 18 Deer, Pickerel, and Battle lakes .................................................................................................................. 23 Dixon Lake ................................................................................................................................................... 31 Grave Lake ................................................................................................................................................... 37 Split Hand and Little Split Hand Lakes ........................................................................................................ 41 Sand Lake ...................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Invasive Catfish Management Strategy August 2020
    Invasive Catfish Management Strategy August 2020 A team from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries uses electrofishing to monitor invasive blue catfish in the James River in 2011. (Photo by Matt Rath/Chesapeake Bay Program) I. Introduction This management strategy portrays the outcomes of an interactive workshop (2020 Invasive Catfish Workshop) held by the Invasive Catfish Workgroup at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rice Rivers Center in Charles City, Virginia on January 29-30, 2020. The workshop convened a diverse group of stakeholders to share the current scientific understanding and priority issues associated with invasive catfishes in Chesapeake Bay. The perspectives shared and insights gained from the workshop were used to develop practical, synergistic recommendations that will improve management and mitigate impacts of these species across jurisdictions within the watershed. Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are native to the Ohio, Missouri, Mississippi, and Rio Grande river basins, and were introduced into the Virginia tributaries of Chesapeake Bay in the 1960s and 1970s to establish a recreational fishery. These non-native species have since spread, inhabiting nearly all major tributaries of the Bay watershed. Rapid range expansion and population growth, particularly of blue catfish, have led to increasing concerns about impacts on the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. 1 Chesapeake Bay Management Strategy Invasive Catfish Blue and flathead catfishes are long-lived species that can negatively impact native species in Chesapeake Bay through predation and resource competition. Blue catfish are generalist feeders that prey on a wide variety of species that are locally abundant, including those of economic importance and conservation concern, such as blue crabs, alosines, Atlantic menhaden, American eels, and bay anchovy.
    [Show full text]
  • Fish & Fishing Session Outline
    Fish & Fishing Session Outline For the Outdoor Skills Program th th 7 & 8 Grade Lessons I. Welcome students and ask group what they remember or learned in the last session. II. Fish & Fishing Lessons A. Activity: Attract a Fish B. Activity: Lures and Knot Tying C. Activity: Tackle Box and Fishing Plan III. Review: Ask the students what they enjoyed most about today’s session and what they enjoyed the least. (Another way to ask is “what was your high today, and what was your low? As the weeks progress this can be called “Time for Highs & Lows”.) The Outdoor Skills program is a partnership with Nebraska Games & Parks and the UNL Extension/4-H Youth Development Program to provide hands-on lessons for youth during their afterschool time and school days off. It provides the opportunity to master skills in the areas of hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. This educational program is part of the 20 year plan to recruit, develop and retain hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts in Nebraska. Inventory Activity: Fishing Lures Curriculum Level: 7-8 Kit Materials & Equipment Feathers Waterproof glue Fish anatomy poster Pliers Fish models (catfish, bluegill, crappie, Tackle box with “filling your tackle & bass) box” components ID/habitat cards Laminated copy of “Awesome Lures” Lures displays Cabela’s Fishing Catalog Supplies Instructor Provides (15) Nebraska Fishing Guide Paperclips (15) NGPC Fish ID Book Pop cans Trilene line Scissors Knot tying cards Masking tape Knot tying kit (6 shark hooks & 6 lengths of rope) Copies of “Plan Your Trip” worksheet (15) Knot-testing weights Treble hooks Duct tape Materials to be Restocked-After Each Use (15) Nebraska Fishing Guide (15) NGPC Fish ID Book For information on restocking items contact Julia Plugge at 402-471-6009 or [email protected] All orders must be placed at least 2 weeks in advance.
    [Show full text]
  • Subchapter 10C - Inland Fishing Regulations
    SUBCHAPTER 10C - INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS SECTION .0100 - JURISDICTION OF AGENCIES: CLASSIFICATION OF WATERS 15A NCAC 10C .0101 SCOPE AND PURPOSE The following rules pertain to the classification of the waters of North Carolina as coastal fishing waters, inland fishing waters and joint fishing waters. These rules are adopted jointly by the Marine Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife Resources Commission. In addition to the classification of the waters of the state these joint rules set forth guidelines to determine which fishing activities in joint waters are regulated by the Marine Fisheries Commission and which are regulated by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Finally, the joint rules set forth special fishing regulations applicable in joint waters that can be enforced by officers of the division of marine fisheries and the Wildlife Resources Commission. These regulations do not affect the jurisdiction of the Marine Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife Resources Commission in any matters other than those specifically set out. History Note: Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-132; 113-136; Eff. February 1, 1976; Amended Eff. January 1, 1977. 15A NCAC 10C .0102 INLAND FISHING WATERS Inland fishing waters are all inland waters except private ponds; and all waters connecting with or tributary to coastal sounds or the ocean extending inland from the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters agreed upon by the Marine Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife Resources Commission. All waters which are tributary to inland fishing waters and which are not otherwise designated by agreement between the Marine Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife Resources Commission are inland fishing waters.
    [Show full text]
  • Consumption Dynamics of the Adult Piscivorous Fish Community in Spirit Lake, Iowa Hongsheng Liao Iowa State University
    Natural Resource Ecology and Management Natural Resource Ecology and Management Publications 2004 Consumption Dynamics of the Adult Piscivorous Fish Community in Spirit Lake, Iowa Hongsheng Liao Iowa State University Clay L. Pierce United States Geological Survey, [email protected] Joe G. Larscheid Iowa Department of Natural Resources Follow this and additional works at: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/nrem_pubs Part of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, and the Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons The ompc lete bibliographic information for this item can be found at http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ nrem_pubs/108. For information on how to cite this item, please visit http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ howtocite.html. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Natural Resource Ecology and Management Publications by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Consumption Dynamics of the Adult Piscivorous Fish Community in Spirit Lake, Iowa Abstract At Spirit Lake, one of Iowa’s most important fisheries, walleye Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum) is one of the most popular species with anglers. Despite a century of walleye stocking and management in Spirit Lake, walleye growth rate, size structure, and angler harvest continue to decline. Our purpose was to determine the magnitude and dynamics of walleye population consumption relative to those of other piscivorous species in Spirit Lake, which would allow managers to judge the feasibility of increasing the abundance, growth rate, and size structure of the walleye population.We quantified food consumption by the adult piscivorous fish community in Spirit Lake over a 3-year period.
    [Show full text]
  • Cowanesque Lake Tioga County
    Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Biologist Report Cowanesque Lake Tioga County 2017 Crappie Survey Area 4 biologists used trap nets to sample crappies at Cowanesque Lake during the week of May 1, 2017. Our goal was to determine how the Crappie population responded to Alewife invasion. We set 9 trap nets that caught 619 Black Crappie and 30 White Crappie. The Black Crappie ranged from 2.0 to 14.9 inches long (Figure 1). Most were small but 18 individuals (3%) exceeded 10 inches. Most likely, the presence of Alewife influences Black Crappie size distribution at Cowanesque Lake. When small, Crappies have a hard time competing with Alewife for planktonic food and so grow slowly. This process accounts for the high percentage of small fish in the population. However, once an individual gets large enough to feed on Alewife, its growth rate rapidly increases. This process accounts for the low percentage of large fish in the population. White Crappie was a new species record for Cowanesque Lake. Their population originated from a single Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocking of 45,000 fingerlings in 2012. They only represented 5% of the total Crappie catch but they were reproducing in the lake. White Crappie growth was faster than Black Crappie growth. Measurements showed that 30% of the White Crappie we caught exceeded 10 inches. The complete list of fish we caught in 2017 is in Table 1. It’s important to note that we only targeted Crappie at Cowanesque Lake so catches of other species are not representative of their populations. That said, the nine trap nets did catch 5 tiger muskellunge ranging from 37.0 to 44.9 inches long.
    [Show full text]
  • 15 Best Indiana Panfishing Lakes
    15 best Indiana panfishing lakes This information has been shared numerous places but somehow we’ve missed putting it on our own website. If you’ve been looking for a place to catch some dinner, our fisheries biologists have compiled a list of the 15 best panfishing lakes throughout Indiana. Enjoy! Northern Indiana Sylvan Lake Sylvan Lake is a 669-acre man made reservoir near Rome City. It is best known for its bluegill fishing with some reaching 9 inches. About one third of the adult bluegill population are 7 inches or larger. The best places to catch bluegill are the Cain Basin at the east end of the lake and along the 8 to 10 foot drop-offs in the western basin. Red-worms, flies, and crickets are the most effective baits. Skinner Lake Skinner Lake is a 125-acre natural lake near Albion. The lake is known for crappie fishing for both black and white crappies. Most crappies are in the 8 to 9 inch range, with some reaching 16 inches long. Don’t expect to catch lots of big crappies, but you can expect to catch plenty that are keeper-size. The best crappie fishing is in May over developing lily pads in the four corners of the lake. Live minnows and small white jigs are the most effective baits. J. C. Murphey Lake J. C. Murphey Lake is located on Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area in Newton County. Following this winter, there was minimal ice fishing (due to lack of ice) and the spring fishing should be phenomenal especially for bluegills.
    [Show full text]