Cedar Creek Crappie Fishing

Artwork courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department © 2004
Location:	15 miles west of Athens in the area between US 175 and Texas 274
Size:	34,300 acres
Maximum Depth:	53 feet
Date Impounded:	1965
Normal Water Clarity:	Moderately clear at lower end to muddy in the upper end
Water Level Fluctuation:	4 feet
Conservation Pool Elevation:	322 ft. msl
Aquatic Vegetation:	Native emergent, submergent and floating, light in coves and creek arms in lower end of the lake
Predominant Fish Species:	Largemouth bass, channel, blue and flathead catfishes, white bass, hybrid striped bass, white and black crappie
Information courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department © 2004 - More TPWD Access Info -
Acrappieguy's Opinion
At the present time, Cedar Creek is probably the most prolific crappie producing lake in North Texas.  The lake has a food chain "machine" that continually pumps out more and bigger crappie than most other lakes located in the North Texas area.  The lake is virtually surrounded by boat docks, and most have nighttime lighting.  The lights draw an incredible number if insects each night, which supports the very large shad population in the lake.  And consequently, the shad population supports the large population of crappie that grow to "slab" proportions.  The three popular methods and areas of fishing for crappie on Cedar Creek is first the bridges.  Cedar Creek has several very long span bridges that are supported by concrete columns.  These columns and their connecting support members draw crappie year round.  Bridges are easily fished, either by jigs or minnows, and are constant producers.  Next is the many manmade brushpiles and "crappie condos" that have been placed in the lake by various individuals over the years.  The brushpiles are just that; brush that has been placed in the lake, and supplemented yearly; some growing to giant proportions, and a natural haunt for crappie.  The "crappie condos" are structures made usually of PVC piping in a variety of different shapes and styles, and held in place by concrete blocks.  Whether brushpiles or condos; both can afford some exciting crappie fishing.  Lastly, is the huge number of private docks that virtually surround the lake.  These docks afford large areas of shade that attract crappie year round.  "Shooting docks" is a favorite way to fish these structures.  This involves a specialized way of casting jigs under the docks so as to reach areas not ordinarily fished.  It can provide some of the best fishing when done right. In short; Cedar Creek gets my vote for the best crappie lake in North Texas for quantity and quality.