Crappie

Crappie fishing near Altus, Arkansas, centers around the numerous smaller lakes and ponds dotting the landscape. These often-overlooked waters can provide excellent crappie action, especially during the spring spawn. Illinois Bayou, though a bit further drive, is another reliable option. Focus on submerged structure like brush piles, fallen trees, and creek channels. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits. A local's secret? Try fishing around the bridge pilings on Highway 64 crossing the Mulberry River; crappie often congregate there. The crappie in this area tend to run a bit smaller than in larger reservoirs, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Early morning and late evening are generally the most productive times.