Crappie

If you're after crappie, Caddo Valley and its surrounding waters offer some excellent opportunities. Lake DeGray is the go-to spot, renowned for its healthy crappie population. These fish tend to congregate around submerged timber and brush piles, so that's where you should focus your efforts. Spring is the peak season, particularly during the spawn when crappie move into shallower waters. Use jigs or minnows under a slip bobber near structure. As the water warms in summer, crappie move deeper; try fishing around bridge pilings or submerged ledges. A local's secret: try fishing the back of coves in the early morning or late evening. Be sure to check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations for creel limits and size restrictions, as they can change. The crappie in Lake DeGray are known to be good-sized, making for a rewarding fishing experience.