Crappie

If you're looking to tangle with some crappie near Live Oak, California, you'll want to focus your attention on the sloughs and backwaters connected to the Feather River. These areas offer the slow-moving, stained water that crappie love. Spring is prime time, as the fish move into the shallows to spawn. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times. Small jigs tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles are your best bet. Access can be tricky in some areas, so look for public access points along the Feather River levee system. Be aware that water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on releases from upstream dams, so check conditions before you go. The crappie in this region aren't known for their enormous size, but they are plentiful, and a mess of these tasty panfish makes for a great meal.