Crappie

Crappie fishing around Fisher, Arkansas, can be quite rewarding, especially in the numerous oxbow lakes and backwaters associated with the St. Francis River. These areas provide ideal habitat for crappie, with plenty of submerged structure and shallow, weedy areas. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. However, fall can also be productive as they feed aggressively before winter. Minnows and small jigs are the go-to baits, fished under a bobber or by slowly trolling. Look for crappie around submerged timber, brush piles, and creek channels. Access to the St. Francis River and its backwaters is available near Marked Tree. Several smaller, less-known lakes are also located near Fisher, but access may be limited. Local tip: Pay attention to water clarity; crappie tend to prefer slightly stained water. The crappie in this area can be a mix of black and white crappie, with some reaching impressive sizes, often exceeding 12 inches.