The favored access by most crappie fishermen is the Cane Creek Access area. This is located off Bethel Boat Landing Road and provides good access to the entire lake. The majority of crappie fishermen will fish from this general area, downstream to the dam. However, when the crappie do go into the shallows, you can catch plenty of fish scattered throughout the lake.

While this lake is large enough for big crappie rigs and even bass boats, it is full of stumps and some shallow-water humps. I strongly suggest using extreme care when motoring until you are sure of the deep-water areas. Since it’s not a big lake, it still won’t take long to get around to anywhere yon want to go.

Rocky Creek Lake or Stumpy Pond is a local favorite because it’s somewhat of a secret and also because of the outstanding crappie fishing. The lake is only 847 surface acres in size but has a multitude of crappie-holding structures and is loaded with woody cover. Two good access points are Debutary Creek Access Area and Stumpy Pond Access Area.

Depending on weather and water conditions, the fish will be found from deep water to extreme shallows during April. Heavy rains can have a more pronounced influence on these smaller lakes, so be prepared to cope with different water conditions if we’re getting much rain.

For more information on both of the great little crappie holes, visit the Duke Power Web site. There are maps that include the specifics of the lakes regarding access and basic information. Go to www.duke-energy. com/lakes and click on "Lake Facts and Maps" for full details.

The Saluda River, upstream from Lake Murray, is also a prime area for crappie. The popularity and productivity of Lake Murray is known for producing piles of papermouths, but the river upstream from the lake is also highly productive and often by-passed by crappie fishermen.

The main Saluda River, the Little Saluda River and Bush River arms are all highly productive. The good fishing extends about as far as the Bush River confluence in the main river.

This is particularly true during April when the fish move to the mid-depths and shallows. The fish will often load up at the mouths of small creeks and coves and even scatter into flats in some of the creeks.

A long fiberglass pole rigged with a slip-float and minnow or small green or chartreuse jig will produce consistent action on crappie.

Another river that’s excellent for crappie is the Santee River. From the Wilson Dam that impounds Lake Marion all the way to the salt water, you can find excellent crappie fishing action. Not only are there plenty of crappie that really don’t receive much fishing pressure, they are found in very good sizes as well.