The State Record for Black Crappie is 4 pounds, 4 ounces. Black Crappie prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees, and deeper, slow moving waters.

The State Record for White Crappie is 5 pounds, 1 ounces. White Crappie also prefer water temperatures of 68 to 72 Degrees. White Crappie prefer darker, murky waters, with ample amounts of cover available.

Tennessee Fishing Rules and Regulations

Anyone over the age of 13 must possess a fishing license when fishing on any public water system in Tennessee. The only exemptions to this is people born before 1926, active military personal (provided that they carry a copy of their leave papers), and when fishing on free fishing day. You are considered a resident of Tennessee as long as you have resided in Tennessee for a period longer then 90 days. All others will be considered none-residents.

Free fishing day is held every year on June 10th. You have the ability to fish without purchasing a license all day, as long as you still follow Tennessee’s rules and regulations.

Tennessee is unlike other states, as it places certain restrictions on fishing with anything other then normal rod and reel combinations. Explosives, chemicals and electrical shocking devices are strictly forbidden, and their use carries heavy penalties. Shootings and Bow fishing is also prohibited in Tennessee.

Tennessee Hot Spots

REELFOOT LAKE- Reelfoot resembles a large farm pond, with cover such as cypress trees, stumps, lily pads, and other submerged objects. This lake is literally loaded with fallen timber and logs. The amount of cover provided allows the Crappie to reach substantial sizes.

Due to how shallow the lake is, and the amount of submerged items, you may want to consider fishing in something other then a fiberglass boat. It is recommended that you use an aluminum boat, and only travel at slow speeds.

If you are considering a trip to Reelfoot Lake, you can find out more information by contacting Blue Bank Lodge out their website. In addition to a Tennessee fishing license, anglers need a Reelfoot Preservation Permit, which ranges from $3.50 for one day to $17 for the year.

Fishing for Crappie in Winter

During the winter, water temperatures can drop below 40 degrees. When the water is this cold, look for schooling crappie in deeper areas from 18 to 30 feet. Most areas water stay below this temperature from late November to early march. Concentrate on sharp bends or points and work both directions with a slow presentation until you find the right depth and color combination. Professional fisherman prefer to start with darker colors of red, green, or orange in combinations with yellow or chartreuse tails. Pre-tie your rigs and setup. By having the rigs already tied we can spend more time fishing, and much less time changing baits. It also beats attempting to tie new bait on when the temperature is low and your fingers are numb.

Fishing for Crappie in Fall

Fall is literally the hardest time to fish for Crappie. During the fall, crappie may seem to disappear completely. The truth is they do not disappear, they just change the area in which they frequent. One day the crappie may be found in shallow water around submerged weeds, and may be schooling in 30 foot open waters the next. The trick is attracting the more illusive Crappie to your bait. This can be accomplished several ways.

1) Fish slower. Give the Crappie more time to see the bait.

2) Use bright colored baits. Orange/chartreuse, yellow/chartreuse, and green/chartreuse Crappie Pro jig bodies are favorites among professional fisherman.

3) If you are using artificial bait, use bait scents. tip out jigs with a piece of minnow or Berkley Crappie Nibbles.

4) Allow for more bait movement. While moving the bait requires more time and energy, it attracts the Crappie by giving the illusion of live bait.

Fishing for Crappie in Spring

Fishing for Crappie during the spring may be the easiest, because most Crappie are spawning during this time. The male Black Crappie construct a large nest by fanning out small depressions around the bottom of brush, various vegetation, rocks, or submerged boulders, in water anywhere from 1 to 5 feet deep. The female Black Crappie then come in and lay eggs in the nest. Concentrate on these types of areas, and keep an open mind.
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