kennyray-
Lake Washington produced the state record black crappie in 1956. It weighted 4 1/2 pounds. The big Lake produced great crappie fishing into the 1970s when the fishery declined. At the same time the Lake clean-up kicked in (Metro). Does anyone remember how badly the lake used to smell in the summer and the swimming closures due to polution? With cleaner and clearer water (less productive?) the food chain changed. In the 1960s and early 1970s the major food consumed by the crappie was mysid shrimp. In clear water lakes crappies tend to suspend off shore most of the year rather hold along the shoreline structure and weedbeds. Except during the spawning; spring when water temperatures reach the high 50s/low 60s, I would look for crappies off shore suspended over the outer contour breaks.

Over the last 30 years it seems the spiny-ray fishery has changed from one dominated by largemouth bass/crappie to a smallmouth/yellow perch fishery. If you are looking for some white filets it may be more productive to look for the perch.

Tight lines
Smalma