As water cools in natural lakes, much of the weedgrowth on flats dies, although some deep-lying weeds usually remain along the deep edge of weedgrowth along drop-offs. Crappies holding on shallow flats shift to join those already holding along drop-off edges. Fish holding in open water do the same.

Once along edges, they may continue to hold along the deep edge of remaining weedgrowth or drop much deeper when rock cover lies in deeper water.

Point A and Inside Bends B and C—larger points with rock and weeds and distinct drop-offs—attract more crappies than smaller points without prime cover.

This small point is secondary to the larger adjoining point.

Other problems include lack of a distinct point or inside bend. Crappies tend to scatter and groups of fish may never form.

Point D and Inside Bends E, F, and G—prime territory. Concentrate on Point D and the more distinct Bends E and F. Bend E looks particularly good, not only because it’s so distinct, but because it offers a rocky drop-off into deep water. As is also the case on Point D or Bend F, crappies could hold along the deep weededge, slightly up on the flat, or deeper along rocks on the drop-off.

During fall and winter, crappies in natural lakes spread horizontally along weededges so long as weeds continue to provide cover. Rockpiles and humps attract fish, too. But overlooked schools also hold at the base of sloping points that drop into the lake basin.

In natural lakes, they usually hold within 5 feet of bottom during fall, but move shallower under mild, stable conditions. Of course, it’s rare to find all three structural elements so close together on a real lake.

As weedbeds decay, crappies move to mid-depth breaklines or deep points. Deep points are most productive on lakes with few humps and breaklines because the fish have fewer options.