Crappie

Crappie fishing near Claremont requires a bit of exploration, but Puddingstone Reservoir can hold some surprises. While not a crappie hotspot, patient anglers can find them around submerged structure like brush piles, docks, and weed edges. Spring is the prime time, as the crappie move shallow to spawn. Small jigs, minnows, or crappie nibbles fished under a bobber are effective tactics. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times. A key tip for Puddingstone: use your electronics to locate submerged structure, as this is where the crappie tend to congregate. Be prepared for some smaller fish, but the occasional slab crappie can be caught. Remember to check the current fishing regulations and creel limits before heading out.