Crappie

If you're looking for slab crappie in northeast Arkansas, Keiser is a good place to start. The numerous oxbow lakes and sloughs connected to the Mississippi River in this area, like nearby Big Lake, offer prime crappie habitat. These backwaters tend to hold fish year-round, but spring is undoubtedly the best time, when crappie move shallow to spawn. Look for them around submerged timber, brush piles, and cypress trees in 2-6 feet of water. A simple jig and bobber rig with a minnow or crappie jig is hard to beat. Fall can also be productive as the water cools and crappie feed up for winter. Keep an eye on water levels – fluctuating levels can concentrate fish or scatter them. A local tip: check the water clarity before you head out; stained water often produces better than clear water. Many access points are available around Big Lake, but a boat is recommended to reach the best spots.