Crappie

If you're heading to Johnson, Arkansas in search of crappie, Beaver Lake is your primary target. This large reservoir offers diverse habitat, from standing timber and submerged brush piles to rocky bluffs, all holding crappie at different times of the year. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Target coves and creek arms with submerged structure using jigs or minnows under a slip bobber. In the fall, look for crappie to school up around deeper brush piles and submerged trees. A fish finder is essential for locating these schools. A local tip: The War Eagle arm of Beaver Lake is known for its crappie population, but can get crowded, so arrive early. Also, be aware that Beaver Lake can experience rapid water level changes, so check conditions before you go.