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Best Crappie Fishing on Clarks Hill Lake

  • Published Date: July 22, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Clarks Hill Lake
  • $400 - $800 price range
  • Updated Date: September 12, 2025

Summary

Get ready for an awesome day of crappie fishing on Clarks Hill Lake with William Sasser Guide Service. We'll head out around sunrise for a 6-hour trip, targeting the best spots to help you hit your limit. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, our experienced guides will set you up for success. We provide all the gear, tackle, and bait you need - just bring yourself and up to 5 friends or family members. With room for 1-3 people at the base price and options to add more, it's perfect for small groups or a day out with buddies. We only book one trip per day, so you'll get our full attention as we work the lake. By the time we're done, you'll have some great catches and even better stories to share.
Best Crappie Fishing on Clarks Hill Lake

Crappie Haul Highlights

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Four yellow bass caught while fishing in Appling

Perfect day for lake fishing fun

Striped bass caught in Appling while fishing

Lake Clarks Hill striped bass catch

Group of 5 people fishing in Georgia, with wiper and striped bass caught

Holding a big Clarks Hill bass

Striped Bass and Wiper Hybrid Fish Caught in Appling

Top fishing spots at Clarks Hill

6 anglers reeling in striped bass in GA

Catching trophy bass on Clarks Hill Lake

Seven crappie fish caught in Appling

Crappie fishing adventure today

Five fishermen enjoying a great fishing trip in GA

Striped bass bite on Clarks Hill Lake

Four people fishing in Appling

Early morning bass fishing trip

Five yellow bass caught while fishing in Appling

Kids fishing at Clarks Hill Lake

Striped bass fishing in Georgia

Expert guide showing fishing tips

Four yellow bass caught while fishing in Appling

Perfect day for lake fishing fun

Striped bass caught in Appling while fishing

Lake Clarks Hill striped bass catch

Group of 5 people fishing in Georgia, with wiper and striped bass caught

Holding a big Clarks Hill bass

Striped Bass and Wiper Hybrid Fish Caught in Appling

Top fishing spots at Clarks Hill

6 anglers reeling in striped bass in GA

Catching trophy bass on Clarks Hill Lake

Seven crappie fish caught in Appling

Crappie fishing adventure today

Five fishermen enjoying a great fishing trip in GA

Striped bass bite on Clarks Hill Lake

Four people fishing in Appling

Early morning bass fishing trip

Five yellow bass caught while fishing in Appling

Kids fishing at Clarks Hill Lake

Striped bass fishing in Georgia

Expert guide showing fishing tips

Four yellow bass caught while fishing in Appling

Perfect day for lake fishing fun

Striped bass caught in Appling while fishing

Lake Clarks Hill striped bass catch

Group of 5 people fishing in Georgia, with wiper and striped bass caught

Holding a big Clarks Hill bass

Striped Bass and Wiper Hybrid Fish Caught in Appling

Top fishing spots at Clarks Hill

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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 with William Sasser Guide Service! This 6-hour charter is perfect for anglers of all stripes, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet. We'll set out at the crack of dawn, around 6 a.m., to hit the hottest crappie spots on the lake. Our goal? To help you reach that sweet catch limit or make the most of every minute on the water. With room for up to 6 folks (3 included in the base price, and up to 3 more at $125 each), it's a great way to spend a day with family or buddies. Best part? We've got all the gear, tackle, and bait you'll need, plus the know-how to put you on the fish. And since we only run one trip a day, you'll get our full attention and local expertise.

What to Expect on the Water

When you hop aboard with William Sasser Guide Service, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out to some of Clarks Hill's prime crappie haunts, spots we've dialed in over years of experience. You'll learn the ins and outs of crappie fishing, from reading the water to perfecting your technique. We use a mix of methods, depending on what's working best that day. Sometimes we'll be spider-rigging with multiple poles, other times we might be casting jigs or using live bait. The lake's always changing, and that's part of the fun. We'll adapt our approach to give you the best shot at filling the cooler. And don't worry if you're new to this - our guides are patient teachers who love sharing their passion for fishing.

Top Catches This Season

Crappie fishing on Clarks Hill Lake is a year-round affair, but each season brings its own excitement. In spring, we target spawning crappie in shallow water, often sight-fishing for the big ones. Summer sees us heading to deeper structure, using electronics to pinpoint schools. Fall can be dynamite, with crappie feeding heavily before winter. And speaking of winter, don't write it off - some of our biggest catches come when it's chilly out. We use light tackle, usually 4-6 pound test line, which makes even the smaller "eaters" feel like a real fight. Our typical crappie run from 3/4 to 1 1/2 pounds, but we've seen some slabs push past 2 pounds. It's all about knowing where they're holding and what they're biting on, and that's where our local knowledge really pays off.

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 feisty panfish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. On Clarks Hill, we've got both black and white crappie, each with their own quirks. Black crappie tend to hang around structure more, while white crappie are often found in open water. Both species school up, which means when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They're known for their paper-thin mouths, which makes for an exciting challenge when setting the hook. Crappie have excellent eyesight and are attracted to small, flashy lures. In the spring, males turn almost black as they guard their nests, making for some stunning photos. The best part? A limit of crappie makes for one heck of a fish fry.

While we're focused on crappie, Clarks Hill is also home to some monster striped bass. If conditions are right and you're up for it, we might just switch gears and try for a striper or two. These powerful fish can reach 30 pounds or more in the lake, and hooking into one is an experience you won't soon forget. Stripers are known for their hard runs and aggressive fights, often clearing the water in spectacular jumps. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around points, humps, and creek channels. Targeting them requires different tactics than crappie fishing, but it's a thrill when that rod doubles over with a big striper on the line.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get in on the action? A day out on Clarks Hill Lake with William Sasser Guide Service is more than just a fishing trip - it's a chance to make memories, learn new skills, and hopefully take home a cooler full of tasty fillets. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or you're an old hand wanting to dial in your crappie game, we've got you covered. Remember, we only run one trip a day, so spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best crappie fishing Georgia has to offer. Give us a call or shoot us a message to lock in your date. Trust us, once you've fished Clarks Hill with us, you'll be itching to come back for more. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and put some slabs in the boat!

Customer Reviews

Fishy Fun 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!

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BJ
Barth Josey

July 2, 2024

Top Guide at Clarks

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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

Persistence Pays Off

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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

Surprise Stripers

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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.

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KP
Kenneth Pinckney

July 15, 2024

Striper First Timers

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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

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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 for some laid-back crappie fishing on Clarks Hill Lake? Hop aboard our comfortable boat for a 6-hour trip with William Sasser Guide Service. We've got room for up to 3 anglers, but can accommodate 3 more if you want to bring some buddies along. Our experienced guides know all the sweet spots where the crappie are biting, and we'll do our best to help you reach your catch limit. No need to worry about gear - we've got all the rods, reels, and bait covered. We typically set out around 6 a.m. to catch the early morning action. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing, you'll feel right at home on our casual, friendly charters. It's just you, your group, and a whole day of relaxed fishing on the beautiful waters of Clarks Hill Lake.
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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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