Crappie

If you're heading to Russellville, Arkansas in pursuit of crappie, you're in for a treat. Lake Dardanelle is your primary target, offering expansive flats and numerous submerged structures that hold slabs year-round. Spring and fall are prime times, as crappie move shallow to spawn or fatten up for winter. During the spawn, target shallow brush piles and flooded timber in the back of coves. As the water warms, look deeper, near bridge pilings and submerged roadbeds. Local tip: Pay close attention to water clarity. If the water is murky after a rain, switch to brighter colored jigs or minnows to increase visibility. Also, the Dardanelle State Park offers excellent access with boat ramps and bank fishing opportunities.