Yes FishinRod, I've always seen little fish jump as they get chased up into the shallows. Always thought they were native minnows or Golden Shiners. In the waters I fished growing up the shad jumping was normally not in the shallows near bank, but further out. Since there was a pattern difference I never really thought to associate them together. But maybe?
Crappie populations fluctuating is a possibility due to (I'm guessing) many things. Could be due to low water levels, introduction of shad, change in predator and forage numbers, etc. I just had noticed earlier in the summer that we were having problems catching crappie and it hasn't changed. Been a mystery so when I found those shad I thought maybe they were the cause. I really don't know.
ewest - I don't have a positive ID. I posted pics on another thread. I think they look gizzard-ish, but once again I'm unsure.
