Tim Huffman, former Editor of CrappieNOW Magazine, has been consulting experts nationwide for years, arriving at our annual “Top 10” best crappie fishing lakes in the country.
10 Best Crappie Lakes for 2024
by Tim Huffman
Top 10 lists, no matter what the subject, are always subjective. As they say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Ask ten fishermen their top lakes and each list will be different. A lake can be a great producer of quantity and quality, or it can produce low numbers of fish but the ones you catch are giants or they can simply produce great numbers but few big fish.
Therefore, some fishermen may prefer more action while others prefer to go for big slabs with less action. A fisherman is lucky if he has a lake that offers both. We consulted several experts to compile the following list of CrappieNOW’s Top 10.
(#10) Lake of the Pines, Texas – This 19,000-acre crappie factory hits the top ten list for the second year in a row. It has a history of good crappie fishing, is known for numbers, and is likely to give up some 15-inch fish for your livewell. Spring and late spring are good seasons, but this lake is best known for outstanding winter action in deep water.
(#9) Kentucky Lake – In spite of the name, about half of this Tennessee River reservoir is in Tennessee, although the dam and downstream half of the lake is across the border in Kentucky. Kentucky Lake takes our tenth spot because no lake has made a bigger comeback in the last decade from terrible fishing to good fishing. Large slabs are being caught and good numbers are coming back. For years folks blamed the invasion of Asian carp on the decline in fishing. But more commercial fishermen are working hard to keep those numbers in check, and perhaps overall forage and water conditions have stabilized some. Regardless of the reason, most say Kentucky Lake crappie fishing is on the rise. Fishing styles include jigging, casting, slow trolling and fast trolling crankbaits or jigs. It allows for versatility to match your fishing method. The lake is huge, so your fishing options are numerous. Lodging and restaurants, along with camping, are available in most areas.
(#8) Truman Lake, Missouri – This 55,000-acre lake has great numbers of crappie and ranks as a top summer crappie jigging lake. Jigging with forward-facing sonar is king, with jig fishermen having a snag and stump haven to find and catch fish. Crappie size may not equal other lakes and navigation can be tricky, but the action can be good. Lodging is available in Clinton and around the lake.
(#7) Eufaula, Oklahoma – This lake, not to be confused with the Alabama lake of the same name, is a 100,000-acre crappie factory. It is known for its huge numbers of average-size fish and a limit of 37-crappie per person (yes, the limit is the odd number of 37). Crappie are not spooky, the water is stained and you can use almost any technique to catch them. It’s a great place to take someone to have fun and put fish in the freezer. It’s a huge lake, so consider hiring a guide for the first day.
(#6) Barnett Reservoir, Mississippi – Barnett is a good fish producer. Often known as “The Rez,” by locals, it has good numbers of crappie and its share of slabs. The lake has a variety of areas and cover allowing for a variety of techniques. It’s in Jackson with nearly a half-million people in the metropolitan area, so it can get some pressure from locals. But Grenada and Sardis actually get the most out-of-state attention. There are many things for your family to enjoy off the water in the Jackson area, too.
(#5) Lake D’Arbonne, Louisiana – This lake is good for numbers of 1.5- to 2-pound fish. A few three pounders are caught but a typical stinger will have a couple over two pounds. Any technique can be used on the lake, with forward-facing sonar (FFS) good in shallow and mid-depth water. The main river channel is a top pick in the winter. Navigation is dangerous, so idling is recommended if you’re out of the marked channel. The lake is subject to quick water fluctuations, so check conditions before heading to the lake. Lodging is available including cabins in the state park.
(#4) St. Johns River, Florida – This gem in the Sunshine State is the number one spot for big, beautiful, gold-tinted black crappie. It’s also number one for beautiful scenery. It’s a top winter bucket-list lake any fisherman will enjoy. December through February are top months. Jig, troll, shoot docks, cast or spider rig. The lake is within an hour or two of many family-friendly, non-fishing things to do.
(#3) Lake Fork, Texas – Lake Fork is 27,000 acres. Jigging rules and FFS has created more jigging opportunities for monster fish, but other techniques are used here, too. Crappie are caught on timber, docks, grass, bridge pilings and other structures. It has quality black and white crappie that will slam a jig or minnow and give you a fun time. Crappie size is excellent with occasional three-plus pounders being caught.
(#2) Sardis Lake, Mississippi – Sardis produces numbers of good fish in the 11- to 14-inch range, with plenty over 15 inches, too. You’ll have lots of action here. Forward-facing sonar (FFS) and power trolling are popular techniques. This was one of the first lakes where long-lining crankbaits became popular during warm weather months. Medium winds are dangerous here. Lodging is scarce, but the state park offers a good campground.
(#1) Grenada Lake, Mississippi – Grenada, just about one-hour south of Grenada, is a 35,000-acre lake and takes the CrappieNOW number one spot… again. The number of 3-plus pounders is amazing. Don’t expect one every time, by any means. But proportionately this lake currently offers your best chance anywhere of catching the Bucket List slab. Heavy fishing pressure is somewhat offset by fast-growing fish, strict limits, and frequent spring flooding that spreads fish out and makes them difficult to reach. Navigation can be tricky, and wind is often a problem. A fishing trip in mid-February through March puts you in the peak time for a monster slab. The town of Grenada has plenty of hotels and restaurants. BTW, most people pronounce it “Gree-nay-da,” with a long “a.”
Any of the lakes listed can provide a memorable trip. Pick one (or more) and hit the crappie road in 2024.
To see a list of the Top 50 Lakes, visit www.MonsterCrappie.com
Tim Huffman is senior writer for CrappieNow Magazine. His books, including a new one for 2024, Papermouth, Modern Crappie Techniques, is available in paperback and eBook from Amazon.
