Crappie

If you're looking for slab crappie in Northeast Arkansas, Lake City offers some fantastic opportunities. The key here is to focus on the flooded timber and creek channels within the St. Francis River basin. Spring is prime time, as crappie move shallow to spawn. As water temperatures rise, they'll retreat to deeper structure. Minnows and jigs are your best bet; experiment with color combinations to see what the fish prefer on a given day. Access points are available along Highway 18, but be mindful of water levels, especially after heavy rains, as the river can fluctuate significantly. A local tip: Pay attention to the mayfly hatches – crappie will often key in on these insects.