When it comes to exciting crappie fishing, Alabama tops all other destinations. With slab action almost too good to believe, it's no wonder crappie tournaments are increasing throughout the state.

After speaking with fisheries biologists and fishermen ranging from competitive anglers to guides, Alabama Game & Fish selected these best crappie waters for this year. However, deciding the best in a state filled with exceptional fishing is like trying to pick the best minnows from the bucket. At first, all appear to be strong swimmers, but after a few dips of the net, there are always a few that stay in front of the others.

GAINESVILLE LAKE
"By far," reported Jerry Moss, District III fisheries supervisor, "Aliceville and Gainesville lakes on the Tombigbee River are the best two reservoirs in our district."

Jesse Wright, president of the West Alabama Crappie Association, agreed with Moss, but rated one lake over the other depending on the time of the year.

"Both lakes offer super fishing," Wright said. "Many anglers would be surprised at how many crappie are on the banks in February on Aliceville, but in April Gainesville is my favorite."

Wright's two reasons for making the switch to Gainesville this month are fishing pressure and the availability of big fish.

"More anglers are familiar with Aliceville Lake," Moss explained, "because of the facilities. Gainesville Lake is a little off the beaten path, so there's a real opportunity to fish very productive waters with very little competition."

Moss added that Gainesville is not a border water like Aliceville, so it does not require anglers to have a Mississippi license to fish the entire lake. Additionally, he said Gainesville has less aquatic vegetation, which makes fishing more enjoyable.

As for the availability of big fish, Wright said Aliceville's shallow water warms faster than Gainesville's.

"Most of the big fish have spawned on Aliceville in February and March," he offered, "so by moving to Gainesville in April, I can continue to target spawning fish."

Last year while practicing for a tournament in April, Wright caught 55 fish in less than two hours. Then during the competition, he brought a slab to the scales weighing more than 2 pounds. Wright's biggest fish last year weighed 2 1/2 pounds and measured 17 inches in length. The fish had already spawned.

To find spawning crappie, Wright looks for small pockets in the grass or along the bank. He describes these places as being about as wide as your boat and half as long.

"If the pocket provides protection from the wind and waves," Wright said, "you might catch 10 to 15 crappie from one hole."

The angler works pockets with an orange and chartreuse 1/16-ounce hair jig on 10-pound-test monofilament. A cork fixed 12 inches above the bait keeps his jig off the bottom.

According to Wright, the best fishing occurs when the water is slightly muddy.

"When the water has color," he advised, "the fish are less likely to spook when you approach and are more aggressive. They strike the jig as soon as it hits the water."

Wright recommended launching at Vienna, which is south of the city of Aliceville off State Route 14. Within a few miles of the ramp, he said anglers can find great fishing at Lubbub Creek, Sipsey River, Lost Lake, the Buzzard's Roost Area and Round Hole.