There’s always a way to be successful crappie fishing
The old adage, “where there’s a will there’s a way”, certainly holds true when it comes to crappie fishing.
The old adage, “where there’s a will there’s a way”, certainly holds true when it comes to crappie fishing.
With the midwest and “The Sooner State” in the deep freeze, fishermen can beat the cold by visiting any of a number of heated fishing docks located on area lakes.
Belle Star Marina located on Lake Eufaula near Checotah is one of the more popular heated docks in a four-state area.
“We have fishermen come from all over,” said Journie Campbell, daughter of Marina owner, Wes Campbell. “Before you make the trip, crappie anglers can go on YouTube live stream to check and see if the crappie are biting.”
During the winter months, the marina store is open Monday through Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Thursdays through Sundays, the heated dock is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and the cost is $5 per person.
“If the store is closed, it’s on the honor system,” Campbell said. “We have a lock box outside where fishermen can pay.”
Another option is the heated dock located inside beautiful Greenleaf State Park located just south of Braggs.
“The dock is open seven days a week 24 hours a day,” owner Nikki Dubbs said. “The dock is brushed to attract the crappie. The heat works great, and the cost is $5 per person.”
While currently under a rebuild, the heated dock at Cypress Cove Marina on Fort Gibson Lake near Wagoner is open weekly from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $5 per person while kids ages 12 and younger fish for free. Fishermen have the option to purchase a yearly membership at a cost of $175 plus $135 key deposit.
For anglers further north, Salt Creek Marina located on Keystone Lake near Mannford offers a heated fishing dock and is open 24/7. The cost is $5 per person while kids ages 16 and younger can fish for free with a paying adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The marina is open seven days a week and offers a full bait and tackle shop.
When it comes to tackle, I prefer a small spinning rod spooled with four- to six-pound fluorocarbon line and a variety of lures. The S&S spoon and Bobby Garland plastics and jigs are often a good bet. At times, nothing can beat a live minnow. The one thing I’ve learned over the years is that colors do make a difference when it comes to plastics and jigs. One day, the fish will hit one color and won’t touch it the next, so it pays to have a good selection on hand.
We are blessed to have a number of lakes from which to choose in the eastern part of the state.
Until spring and warmer weather arrives, spending time at one of the many heated docks is a great way to get out of the house and pass the day.
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John Kilgore is the former Greenleaf State Park manager. He can be reached by emailing him at jkilgoreoutdoors@yahoo. com.
