Crappie is one of the most popular game fish in all of North America. Because they are so prolific and can adapt to different environmental conditions, you can find them in most streams, lakes, and rivers across the US and parts of Canada in warm and cool conditions for most of the year.
Crappie Capital of the World
However, there is one place where crappie seems most abundant. That would be Weiss Lake located in the northeast section of Alabama. Over the years, it has earned the moniker “Crappie Capital of the World” and arguably for good reasons thanks in large part to its location.
Weiss Lake
The lake itself does not seem too different from the many other lakes that hold crappie, but those who fish in Weiss Lake have reported larger and more abundant crappie in these waters. The reasons why are not all that clear, but there are some factors that contribute to Weiss Lake being the perfect place for crappie.
- Long Growing Season
- Plenty of Fertile Soil
- Warm Temperatures for Most of the Year
- Lots of Shelter for the Crappie
- Shallow, Calm Waters
All these factors contribute to Weiss Lake being the perfect place for crappie to grow and multiply. The warm temperatures for most of the year mean that the crappie will stay active long into November. With the relatively short winter, there are some periods in which the crappie remain active the year-round.
The fertile soil combined with the warm temperatures also provides the crappie with plenty of vegetation that acts as a shelter. The shallow waters are also perfect for crappie hunting their prey. This means for those who fish for crappie, Weiss Lake is tailor-made for catching this remarkably tasty panfish. It’s no wonder that they call this the Crappie Capital of the World.
Origins of the Lake
Weiss Lake was created in the early 1960s at the point where the Coosa, Little, and Chattooga Rivers converge. This means that many crappies that were born upriver find their way into Weiss Lake which increases the population even more. It is the combination of the three rivers into the lake which provide it with its unique characteristics.
It is quite common to nab crappie that weighs up to two pounds or more depending on your luck. But it is not just the size, it is the numbers that are truly impressive. Because of the fertile soil and contributions by humans to promote more crappie in the lake, the food sources allow the fish to grow in greater numbers along with becoming larger.
Of course, you will still need to know where to find and how to properly fish for crappie, even in Weiss Lake which has them in abundance. However, it is true that you can fish for crappie almost the year-round and with a little skill and luck nab quite a few of them. Even when they are not breeding, there are so many crappies in the lake that even the off-season can be quite bountiful.
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