February 04, 2015
By Game & Fish Online Staff
For the panfish addict, springtime is crappie time. We're at that point in the year when dreams of the spawn begin to fill our minds like a live well after a day of limits.
To help you prepare for the black and white fray from the riprap and backwaters, we've compiled a list of the 12 best states projected to hold some of the hottest crappie action this year.
For these 12 states (listed alphabetically), we asked local experts to provide some of their top picks for the best crappie waters  and share the tips you'll need to catch their tasty slabs.
Click on the states below to get the complete crappie forecast and then gear up for a season of full stringers:
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12. Virginia
Crappie thrive throughout the Old Dominion, and goodness knows that we have plenty of quality lakes and rivers to visit for this fast-action game fish in 2015.
11. Texas
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Being predictable, easy to catch, and tasty on the dinner table makes crappie one of the most popular sportfish in Texas. And late winter into early spring is the opportune time to prepare for a full calendar's worth of good crappie angling.
10. Tennessee
Tennessee is divided into three regions — East, Middle and West — with distinct geological features and equally varied fisheries. However, a common denominator, crappie-wise, is that springtime is the hot time in each region.
9. South Carolina
Any number of lakes could have made the list of top South Carolina crappie locations but we've narrowed it down to the best of the best.
8. Oklahoma
One of many great things about the Sooner State is that we have good crappie fishing within easy driving distance of most communities. Even in lakes that don't "test well," so to speak, there are always places that produce big numbers of keeper-sized crappie.
7. North Carolina
Tar Heel state anglers itching to have something to do during late winter and early spring know they can find action by soaking minnows or slow-trolling tiny jigs to catch North Carolina slabs.
6. Missouri
To say crappie are important for Missouri anglers is an absolute understatement. Steadfast management efforts by Missouri Department of Conservation biologists have made crappie fishing one of the best fishing opportunities in 2015.
5. Kentucky
Winter may still have a firm grasp on the Bluegrass State, but eager crappie anglers have their minds firmly set on the upcoming spring fishing action just around the corner. Known throughout the state as the "crappie run," spring spawning season will be here before long.
4. Kansas & Nebraska
Great Plains crappie fortunes depend on water and how much. Fortunately for Nebraska and Kansas anglers, water levels have rebounded from the drought experienced a few years ago and crappie fortunes look bright for the upcoming spring.
3. Georgia
With the weather warming, it's time to go after slabs. Here are the best places to hook into crappie in the Peach State for 2015.
2. Arkansas
It seems that Arkansas "barn doors" — crappie weighing 2.5 pounds or more — are becoming increasingly common in waters statewide. That includes this lineup of lakes, where you'll find hot action throughout 2015.
1. Alabama
There is no better time to pursue Cotton State crappie than right before and during the spawn. From Weiss Lake to the Alabama River, now is the time to gear up and go.
