Crappie

Targeting crappie around Goodyear, Arizona, means exploring the urban lakes and nearby reservoirs that dot the landscape. While Goodyear itself offers smaller, stocked lakes, a short drive can lead you to more expansive waters like Lake Pleasant or the Salt River chain, which hold larger populations of crappie. Spring is the prime time for crappie fishing, as they move into shallower water to spawn. Look for them around submerged brush, docks, and other structure. A local's secret is to use small jigs or minnows suspended under a bobber near these areas. The crappie in these waters can be somewhat finicky, so experiment with different colors and presentations until you find what they're biting. Lake Pleasant, in particular, is known for producing some slab-sized crappie. Be sure to check water levels and clarity, as these factors can greatly influence crappie behavior. Public access is readily available at most of these lakes, with boat ramps and shoreline fishing options.