Crappie

Lonoke, Arkansas, is a crappie angler's dream, particularly due to the abundance of oxbow lakes connected to the Arkansas River. These lakes provide ideal habitat for crappie, with plenty of submerged structure and clear, relatively shallow water. Spring is, as always, the prime time for crappie fishing, as they move into shallow water to spawn. Look for them around brush piles, fallen trees, and docks. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits. During the fall, as the water cools, crappie will school up in deeper water near structure. Try fishing with live minnows or jigs suspended under a bobber. A local's secret is to target the smaller, more secluded oxbows that are less heavily fished. These often hold larger crappie. Be aware of fluctuating water levels in the Arkansas River, as they can impact crappie location and behavior in the oxbows. The crappie in Lonoke are generally good-sized and plentiful, making for a productive and enjoyable fishing trip.