The DNR performed creel surveys and crappie population estimates here in 2001 and 2002, and the results were very interesting. White crappies ranged in length from 3 to 15 inches, and averaged as much as 11 inches (in 2002). In 2002, there was a large year-class of 1-year-old crappies compared with 2001. "That strong year-class should be 12-inch fish this year," Carnahan predicted.

Shore-fishing on Hovey Lake is restricted to the west side of the lake and along the lake drain. Boaters can trailer their own boats and use the boat ramp near the headquarters to launch their craft. Be advised that boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower or less. Boat rentals are also available.

Most fishermen will use live minnows when targeting crappies at this lake, either alone or in combination with a small jig. The simple minnow and bobber rig is the standard setup, but some anglers like to tight-line a jig/minnow around the timber and brushpiles, hopping the bait through the cover while searching for fish.

The lake is closed to fishing and boating during the winter, so please call the property at (812) 838-2927 for the spring opening date and any other questions you may have. Also, keep in mind that Hovey Lake is affected by flooding on the Ohio River, and during high water the lake may rise several feet. So keep a close eye on the unpredictable spring weather!

PATOKA LAKE
When it comes to huge lakes that are the home of giant crappies, Patoka Lake, just south of French Lick, is hard to beat. Patoka is the second-largest reservoir in the state, and at 8,800 acres, it really is huge. There are countless small coves and bays to explore, and an almost endless supply of flooded trees and timber to fish.

Patoka is a shad lake, and it is home to both white and black crappies. The white crappies are far more numerous than their cousins, however, and they are also the biggest crappies in the lake. They often reach lengths of 15, 16 or even 17 inches. When they reach that size, they can eat some pretty large gizzard shad!

District 7 biologist Carnahan said that there should be no surprises this year concerning Patoka's crappie fishery. "The work that we did out there in 2005 indicated that crappie fishing is going to be similar to previous years," he stated. That's good, because the fishing for most of 2005 was great.

Patoka Lake is so large that newcomers are often confused about where to start. There may be plenty of places to fish, but all spots are definitely not created equal. According to local angler and fishing guide Tim Gibson (812-936-3382), running upstream into the Patoka River can be a great plan. "The water in the river can be several degrees warmer than it is out on the main lake," he said. "That can make all the difference in the world in the early spring."

Gibson likes to get right up on the flooded timber at this time of year and fish close to the structure. "Fish the treetops, stumps and submerged logs," he said. "There is a great deal of cover for the crappies, even in very shallow water. The shallow timber near the old creek channel is often the best," he continued.

"One day last year in early March, my fishing partners and I caught more than 100 big crappies in 3 feet of water! Those fish weighed anywhere from 3/4 pound up to 2 pounds!"