Crappie

Crappie fishing near Kingman, Arizona, centers around Lake Mohave. This desert reservoir provides surprisingly good crappie habitat. Spring and fall are the peak seasons, as the water temperatures are more favorable and the fish move into shallower water to spawn or feed. Focus your efforts around submerged brush piles, rock structures, and man-made fish attractors, especially in coves and along the main channel. A local tactic is to use minnows or small jigs under a slip bobber, allowing you to present your bait at the desired depth. The crappie in Lake Mohave are known to be somewhat finicky, so experiment with different colors and presentations. Access to the lake is available via several boat ramps, including Katherine Landing. Be prepared for fluctuating water levels and strong winds, which are common in this area. The fishery is sustained through natural reproduction, so practicing selective harvest can help ensure future crappie populations.