How To Catch Crappie On Norris Lake

Norris Lake is famous for its great crappie fishing. You will find Norris Lake running between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee. It was the first reservoir to ever be constructed by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) and it was finished in 1936. Its main purpose was to produce hydroelectric power and to control flooding but it has become a great place to go crappie fishing.

Norris Lake has the prefect environment for fish to grow and thrive and the species that live here are safe for human consumption. There have been thousands of structures placed in the lake throughout the last several years to create the best habitat for the fish in this lake. If you are unfamiliar with Norris Lake, then it's a good idea to get a map of the area to help you get around and to learn where some of these structures are located.

Tips for Catching Crappie on Norris Lake

When fishing on this lake there are a few tips that can help you reel in a nice catch each time you go out on the water. All methods will apply for both the black and the white crappie so it doesn't matter which type you are going after.

The crappie may be small but they are full of energy and will put up an amazing fight. They have been known to bend some fishing rods and even break a few. Therefore, make sure you use quality equipment and take some extra line, hooks and bait with you.

The great thing about crappie fishing on Norris Lake is the fact that you can catch them all year long. To know how to catch crappie you need to know where they are during each season. They are the most active in the early spring because this is when they will be moving to the shallow water to begin spawning.

They are so aggressive during this time that they will basically attack your line and strike at just about anything. This is especially true if you get your line near their nest. You will find them closer to the shore in the fall as well. During the summer they move out to the deeper waters where it's cooler.

Cast your line near any structures that you see in the lake no matter where they are located. These include trees, stumps, rocks and so forth. The crappies hover around these for both protection and to shade themselves from the rays of the sun. In the fall they are closer to the shoreline and begin feeding aggressively again because they are preparing for the long winter months ahead.

Like most any other species the best time to go fishing for crappie is in the early morning and the late evening. However, you can entice them to bite most anytime with the right bait. Crappies love minnows so this is one of the best baits to use. If the real thing is not available, then choose the jigs that are the most realistic and similar to minnows. Use a presentation that makes the lure look as real as possible or the crappie will pass it on by.