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Best Crappie Fishing on Clarks Hill Lake

  • Published Date: July 22, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Clarks Hill Lake
  • $400 - $800 price range

Summary

Hop aboard for a 6-hour crappie fishing trip on Clarks Hill Lake with William Sasser Guide Service. We'll be after those tasty panfish, aiming to hit the catch limit if we're lucky. The boat comfortably fits up to 3 anglers, but we can accommodate larger groups of 6 for an extra fee. We typically push off at 6 AM when the fish are biting, though times can flex a bit. What sets us apart is our one-trip-per-day policy – you'll have our full attention and local know-how. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to crappie fishing, we'll put you on the fish and show you the best spots on the lake. Bring your fishing buddies, some snacks, and get ready for a day of dropping lines, swapping stories, and hopefully landing some nice slabs. It's a great way to experience the beauty of Clarks Hill and make some new fishing memories.
Best Crappie Fishing on Clarks Hill Lake

Crappie Catch of the Day

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Five yellow bass fish caught in GA

Calm Water, Wild Bite 🐠

Big fishing catch of 5 fish in Appling

Solid Day on the Water 🚤

4 anglers enjoying a fishing trip in GA

Smiles and Stripers All Day

7 Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) fish caught fishing in Appling

Nothing Beats Lake Time

3 striped bass caught in GA

Clarks Hill Bass on the Line!

Seven huge fish caught by three people in GA

Georgia Striper Action Today

4 striped bass caught fishing in GA

Big Catch, Bigger Smiles

Two striped bass caught during a fishing trip in GA

Hooked Up at Clarks Hill Lake

Seven crappie fish caught in Appling

Crappies Caught in Georgia

5 striped bass caught on fishing trip in GA

Catch of the Day: Verified

Five yellow bass fish caught in GA

Calm Water, Wild Bite 🐠

Big fishing catch of 5 fish in Appling

Solid Day on the Water 🚤

4 anglers enjoying a fishing trip in GA

Smiles and Stripers All Day

7 Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) fish caught fishing in Appling

Nothing Beats Lake Time

3 striped bass caught in GA

Clarks Hill Bass on the Line!

Seven huge fish caught by three people in GA

Georgia Striper Action Today

4 striped bass caught fishing in GA

Big Catch, Bigger Smiles

Two striped bass caught during a fishing trip in GA

Hooked Up at Clarks Hill Lake

Seven crappie fish caught in Appling

Crappies Caught in Georgia

5 striped bass caught on fishing trip in GA

Catch of the Day: Verified

Five yellow bass fish caught in GA

Calm Water, Wild Bite 🐠

Big fishing catch of 5 fish in Appling

Solid Day on the Water 🚤

4 anglers enjoying a fishing trip in GA

Smiles and Stripers All Day

7 Wiper (Hybrid striped bass) fish caught fishing in Appling

Nothing Beats Lake Time

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Reel in the Fun: Clarks Hill Crappie Adventure

Trip Overview

Get ready for a crappie-catching bonanza on Clarks Hill Lake! Our 6-hour charter is perfect for anglers looking to fill their coolers and make some serious memories. We kick off bright and early, usually around 6 AM, to catch those fish when they're most active. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, our expert guides will put you on the hotspots where the crappie are biting. We keep our groups small - up to 3 people for the base price of $400 - to ensure everyone gets plenty of action. But hey, if you want to bring the whole crew, we can accommodate up to 6 for an extra $125 per person. The best part? We only run one trip per day, so you've got our undivided attention. It's all about quality time on the water and maximizing your chances of hitting that catch limit.

What to Expect on the Water

When you hop aboard our fully-equipped fishing vessel, you're in for a treat. We've got all the latest gear and electronics to help locate those crappie schools. Expect to try a mix of techniques - we might start with some spider rigging, then switch to vertical jigging if the fish are holding tight to structure. Don't worry if you're new to these methods; our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. We'll cruise to some of Clarks Hill's prime crappie haunts - think submerged timber, brush piles, and rocky points. The lake's diverse underwater landscape means we've always got options, no matter the conditions. And let's not forget the views - Clarks Hill is a stunner, with its pine-lined shores and crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for ospreys diving for their own catch!

Top Catches This Season

Crappie fishing at Clarks Hill has been on fire lately! We're consistently seeing coolers full of slab crappies in the 1-2 pound range. These fish are not just plentiful, but they're also fighters - expect some serious action when you set the hook. We typically use light tackle, which means even the smaller crappies put up a fun fight. Our go-to setup is usually a 1/16 oz jig tipped with a minnow or a small soft plastic. Colors can vary, but lately, chartreuse and white have been hot. Don't be surprised if we stumble upon some bonus catches too - Clarks Hill is also home to some monster striped bass, and they've been known to crash our crappie parties from time to time. If we do hook into one of those beasts, hold on tight!

Customer Stories

"Great time with Brad, caught lots of fish and had a blast! Will be going back for the crappie." - William

"Simply the best guide service on Clark's Hill. Organized, knowledgeable, and outstanding service. Brad and his crews know their stuff. Book with them and you won't be disappointed." - Nick

"We really enjoyed our first fishing trip with Brad. We scheduled crappie fishing trip but end up doing strippers also. What an excellent experience because Brad put us on the strippers. I would recommend and we definitely be going again soon." - Kenneth

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These panfish are not only delicious but they're also a blast to catch. At Clarks Hill, we primarily target two species: black crappie and white crappie. Black crappie tend to prefer clearer water and structure like fallen trees or brush piles. They're known for their distinctive dark, mottled pattern and deep body shape. White crappie, on the other hand, are more tolerant of murky water and often school in open water areas. They're typically more slender than their black cousins and have a pattern of vertical bars on their sides.

Both species are known for their light bite, which makes detecting strikes a fun challenge. They're also schooling fish, so when you find one, you've likely found a bunch. Spring is prime time for crappie fishing, as they move into shallow water to spawn. However, we catch them year-round by adjusting our tactics to their seasonal patterns. In summer and winter, we often find them suspended over deeper water, while fall can be a transition period where they follow baitfish schools.

The average size for crappie in Clarks Hill is around 10-12 inches, but don't be surprised if we hook into some true slabs pushing 15 inches or more. These bigger fish are often called "papermouth" due to their thin, fragile mouths - which means a gentle touch is key when reeling them in. And let's not forget the eating - crappie are widely considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish out there. Their white, flaky meat is perfect for a good old-fashioned fish fry.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on Clarks Hill and fill your cooler with some tasty crappie, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, we only run one charter per day, so spots fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some slabs to your personal best list, or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, we've got you covered. Our experienced guides know this lake like the back of their hand and are committed to putting you on the fish. Plus, with all gear provided and our catch-cleaning service, all you need to worry about is having a good time and maybe deciding how you want to cook up your catch. So don't wait - give us a call, pick your date, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, reel-screaming action on beautiful Clarks Hill Lake. Trust us, once you experience the thrill of hauling in these feisty crappies, you'll be hooked for life!

Customer Reviews

Fish Frenzy with Brad

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Great time with Brad, caught lots of fish and had a blast! Will be going back for the crappie.

WM
William McCullough

May 17, 2025

Chilly Bass Bonanza

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We went last January and limited out on striped bass and had a blast ! 5 stars all around! The guide and I laughed at my fiance a lot, because it was 16 degrees out that morning and she was shivering so because she was wearing a net cloth style Nike shocking she was saying her feet were just cold . All in all great time!

Read More
BJ
Barth Josey

July 2, 2024

Top Notch Guides

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Simply the best guide service on Clark’s Hill. Organized, knowledgeable, and outstanding service. Brad and his crews know their stuff. Book with them and you won’t be disappointed.

NH
Nick Howlett

August 2, 2023

Guide Goes Extra Mile

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Extremely good guide the fish were not biting very well Brad did everything he could to put us on fish unfortunately they didn't cooperate out of his kindness he offered us another trip free of charge I am extremely pleased with him and will book again and recommend him Dennis Reese 3324 ga hwy 171:North Gibson Georgia

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DR
Dennis Reese

April 5, 2025

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He put us on the fish right away and got us our limit.

RD
Raymond Drayer

June 3, 2024

Double Catch Delight

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We really enjoyed our first fishing trip with Brad. We scheduled crappie fishing trip but end up doing strippers also. What an excellent experience because Brad put us on the strippers. I would recommend and we definitely be going again soon.

Read More
KP
Kenneth Pinckney

July 15, 2024

Striper Newbie Joy

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Really nice trip for daughter and son-in-law, first time striper fishing. Thank you, Captain Bradd!

CG
Chris Garrison

August 26, 2024

Abundant Catch Thrill

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Thanks Brad for a great fishing trip that produced us an abundant of fish.If asked or in any conversation Sasser will be highly recommended by me. For those who has never went fishing with Brad, go you will not regret it!!

MK
Mark Knight

September 7, 2024

Learn more about the specie

Crappie

Crappie (Poxomis) 

Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes. 

Crappie Habitat and Distribution

Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers. 

Crappie Distribution Map
Crappie Map of Habitat

Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins. 

Crappie Size and Weight 

Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds. 

Crappie Interesting Facts

Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat. 

  • Both Poxomis nigromaculatus and Poxomis annularus are less active during the day.
  • Both the fishes have a different number of dorsal fin spines. White Crappie has 6 while Black Crappie has 7 or 8.
  • Mouth of Black Crappie is larger and reaches mid-eye and has a resemblance to largemouth bass.
  • Crappie travels in schools.
  • Female lays 5000-60000 eggs.
  • Crappie can live for 7 to 10 years.

Is Crappie Good to Eat?

Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation. 

When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.

Crappie Spawning 

Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch. 

Crappie Food 

Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes. 

Crappie Fishing 

Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large. 

Spin or Bait Fishing for Crappie:

Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion. 
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.

Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.

Fly Fishing for Crappie:

  • Fly fishing for Crappie is exciting. Both dry and wet flies work well. Use dry flies on still and calm days, especially early and late. A great way to start a young angler on fly fishing, crappie is not as challenging as much other game fish.
  • The best-wet flies for fly fishing are streamers and nymphs and soft large hackles. Streamers (small) are perfect when the fish is eating minnows.
  • Anglers can fly fish for Crappie near fallen trees or bushes using a dry or wet fly. Be patient and let the fish properly take the hook. - Clouser Minnow is the ultimate fly bait that can catch even the sluggish crappie.

Crappie Baits and Lures: 

  • Spinners
  • Pan-fish jigs
  • Small crankbaits
  • Insects
  • Worms
  • Streamer flies
  • Small minnows
  • Nymphs

Crappie

About the William Sasser Guide Service

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready to reel in some crappie on Clarks Hill Lake? Our 6-hour charter trip is the perfect way to spend a day on the water. We'll head out at the crack of dawn, usually around 6 AM, to catch the fish when they're most active. Our boat comfortably fits up to 3 anglers, but we can accommodate larger groups of up to 6 for an extra fee. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing, our experienced guides will help you make the most of your time on the lake. We'll provide all the gear and know-how to put you on the fish. The trip runs until we hit the catch limit or the 6-hour mark, whichever comes first. With only one trip scheduled per day, you'll have our undivided attention and plenty of time to improve your technique. So grab your fishing buddies, pack some snacks, and get ready for a relaxing day chasing crappie on one of Georgia's most beautiful lakes.
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Book your unforgettable fishing adventure with William Sasser Guide Service today and experience the thrill of Clarks Hill Lake like never before. Don't miss out on the catch of a lifetime – reserve your spot now and let's reel in some memories together!

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