Outdoor News / April 2012 / Crappies, crappies, crappies biting all over Ohio waters - Central Region

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Crappies, crappies, crappies biting all over Ohio waters - Central Region

Deer Creek Lake (Madison, Fayette, and Pickaway counties)

White bass are just starting their runs in the headwaters at this lake located just south of Mt. Sterling. Deer Creek above the main lake and just north of Cooks-Yankeetown Road is a good location for white bass that measure eight to 12 inches. Use small spinners in areas just below the riffles. Wading is recommended in some areas when conditions are safe. Great saugeye fishing is possible in the tail waters below the dam. For saugeyes, use jigs and minnows or Twister Tails fished along the bottom. The main lake is currently several feet low, but the lake is rising approximately one foot per day until summer pool. Crappies are also available near the shore where woody cover is present. Keeper crappie must measure at least nine inches.
Mary’s Bait Shop, 740-869-3597

Buckeye Lake (Fairfield, Licking and Perry counties)

Largemouth bass fishing has been good for anglers using spinnerbaits or flipping tubes around lily pads and docks in the shallow coves. Channel catfish are being caught on cut shad. Crappies and bluegills continue to be a good bite on wax worms and minis, said Bob Mathie of Bob’s Outdoor Supply.
Bob’s Outdoor Supply, 740-349-0992

Hoover Reservoir (Delaware, Franklin counties)

White bass are moving up Big Walnut Creek for spawning during the last half of April and the first of May. These fish generally measure eight to 12 inches and can be caught on small jigs or Rooster Tails. Try fishing for saugeyes using stick baits and minnow-imitating lures along the dam, riprap covered causeways, and main lake and secondary points in the major coves. Areas with brushy shoreline cover are good places to seek crappies using minnows and jigs. Smallmouth bass are currently moving shallow and can be caught using tube jigs and spinner baits around main lake and secondary points and rocky banks. The largemouth bite is expected to improve in shallow areas of coves as fish move shallow in preparation for the spawn. Dark colored jigs (black, brown, and green pumpkin hues) with matching plastic or pork trailers, dark colored tube jigs, and chartreuse and white spinner baits are all good combinations at this time of the year around the brush and bushes that are flooded this time of year.