What is the best way to fish a bridge for Crappie?

Let’s start by acknowledging that some of the biggest crappies are caught around bridge structure, making this a great choice of locations for crappie fishing in general.  Even in well known big bass lakes, you can usually find enormous schools of crappie loitering around bridges.  So, the question is how to get those babies into the boat.

First of all, it can be difficult to fish with live minnows around bridge structure, since there is a lot of movement and a badly secured hook can result in losing your bait with a whap against the structure.  Jigs are more easily secured to your rig, and if the crappie are biting, they are just as likely to go for a jig as live bait.  You may want to try a color combination like blue, gray, and white that will resemble a ghost minnow, though.

Of course, since the deep channels spanned by the bridges create a freeway for the crappie, there is no real secret as to where you’ll find crappie, but there are other target areas that may surprise you.  For instance, most bridges have not only vertical structure but also pilings with braces that form horizontal structure as well, where fish will hold.  Check under the braces, letting your jig fall off the horizontal structure right into the crappie’s field of vision.

Don’t tie your boat up in one place; troll around and find the schools.  Most of all, keep in mind that the pilings that are good now are probably going to be good again anytime because fish are creatures of habit and will return to their favorite spots.  All you have to do is follow.

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