Help on new lake

[bluegill hunter]

This new lake that I am fishing is basically a backwater area of a river.  Don't have any maps of the lake yet, but when I do I will post depths and such.  With what little info I have given you, can you guys help me out.  Looking to try this lake with some newbies to crappie fishing.  I have caught a few but not on this lake.  Where should I start to look for them at, in the shallows?, the deep water?  or what other areas?  Thank you

[iceintheveins]

Since it is a river backwater, I assume it's probably a fairly shallow area.
I think I would find the deepest water in the area that is nearest any drop offs or weededges if they are present. Crappies seem to like open water that is near structure or cover, and will suspend usually about 1/3 of the way off the bottom. A flasher is a must in my mind to consistantly find crappies in the winter.

Tyler

[bigredonice]

agreed, if they are not in the deepest area in the backwater, they will be directly adjacent to it - that is if there is enough oxygen...alot of the backwaters in my area do not have sufficient oxygen to support fish.

[iceintheveins]

Yeah oxygen will be a huge factor. If the backwater has a little current in it from the river, it will be full of oxygen. If the ice is thick and the current is nil, it might be pretty low on oxygen, especially this time of year.

Tyler

[bluegill hunter]

Just found map, not sure how to link here to this page, got map from paper, but this area is basically just a loop lake off of main river.  Kinda hard to explain, but the current isn't gonna be so bad.  Gossip says that they are biting, though.  If anyone knows how I can post it here, let me know.

[Pasquatch]

It's an oxbow, or is it attached to the river?

[bluegill hunter]

Here is a map of the lake I am going to try.

Sorry about no contours

[bigredonice]

i would try fishing that oxbow right where it shows the steep bank, make sure you are at least near the old river chanel

[bluegill hunter]

Bigred thanks, I will try it.  Won't be going after it this weekend, heard they were catching crappies at another lake.  So will head there instead, have actually fished that lake and know where to look.  When I will get more time cuz of spring break, will look around and see what I can find for fish before taking the newbies out.  Want to make sure to get them out on fish.

[fiesty]

Try on the insides of those curves, maybe find some growth or a stump, any structure would help, look for trees laying over into the ice, maybe you'll get lucky.....

[bigredonice]

look for trees laying over into the ice

good piont, on shallow bodies of water, visible wood cover can be key, just watch the ice around any emergent structure.

[iceintheveins]

Bluegill Hunter,

Is that a backwater off the Delaware River?

Tyler

[bluegill hunter]

MackDaddy, no that isn't.  It is a little spot up here in North Dakota

[Pasquatch]

No chance its between Fairview and Williston, on a certain part of a certain river with a lot of sand bars...is it? Not bad for a guy whose from New York, eh?

[bluegill hunter]

   Pasquatch, yes it is.  You fish it ever?

[Pasquatch]

Yeah, a few miles north, in the summer, carp and goldeyes, some other little odd creatures, talk about a shallow river!

[bluegill hunter]

yeah it is pretty shallow.  I have it from shore but never on ice or in a boat.  Always get up there to paddlefish, though.

[Pasquatch]

I saw a guy get a paddlefish, weirdest thing I've ever seen.