Recent weather patterns have the fish as confused as anglers. A sunny 73-degree day followed by an ice storm the next has frustrated both of us. A quick check of my fishing log reveals that a year ago, on this date, crappies were located in the upper branches of submerged standing timber on a local reservoir. A slow survey of the area with the locator revealed fish at 8-feet. Knowing that the eyes of crappie are located high on their heads, I attached a strike indicator, set it for 7 feet, and loop-knotted a size-8 Crappie Bully to 4X tippet. The light tippet was chosen to break off hangups with the least disturbance. A gentle breeze created a ripple on the water’s surface, allowing the fly to undulate seductively and activate the rubber legs. Action came quickly and often. The submersion of the strike indicator became mesmerizing and reminiscent of childhood fishing trips with a cane pole. I well remember the twisting struggles of the broad-shouldered crappies as well as the young red fox that sat on the bluff above my position, watching intently. I couldn’t help but wonder if the fox wanted a meal of fresh crappie.
Crappies In the Brushtops
