Best Places to Fish for Crappie: Grenada Lake, Mississippi

Grenada Lake features a unique mix of natural and man-made structures that provide excellent cover for crappie. While much of the original timber in the lower lake was removed prior to impoundment, natural events and restoration efforts have reintroduced abundant cover in key areas:

• Stump fields and stickups in the upper Skuna and Yalobusha River arms
• Buck brush near Gums Crossing and Youngs Landing during high water
• Over 3,000 unmarked Christmas tree and cedar top fish shelters placed strategically

The lake's naturally turbid water may discourage anglers who prefer clear water, but this low visibility actually helps crappie grow larger and strike more aggressively. Brightly colored lures that produce flash or vibration work best in these conditions.

Spring (Pre-Spawn and Spawn)

• Start targeting sloughs and oxbows just off the main river channels as the water warms.
• Crappie suspend 2–3 feet deep over 4–5 feet of water.
• Peak spawning typically occurs between mid-March and mid-April.
• Look for shallow brush and stump roots near the shoreline.

Learn more: When Do Crappie Spawn?, Spring Crappie Fishing

Post-Spawn to Early Summer

• Fish move back to river channels and suspend 5–6 feet deep over 8–12 feet of water.
• Stump fields near deeper channel bends hold concentrations of fish.
• Transition to fishing deeper submerged cover as water warms into June.

Summer

• Crappie school near main lake structure in depths up to 20 feet.
• Use a depthfinder to locate submerged cypress trees and other underwater features.

Learn more: Crappie Fishing In The Summer

Fall

• Crappie move shallower again, especially during stable weather in September and October.
• Search sloughs off the main river and creek channels starting in deeper water and moving shallow.
• Focus on depths between 5–10 feet near submerged timber and brush piles. 

Learn More: Fall Crappie Fishing