Crappie

If you're looking for crappie near Arcadia, Iowa, you'll want to explore the many small lakes and ponds dotted around Carroll County. These smaller, often overlooked waters can hold surprisingly large populations of crappie, especially during the spring spawn. Look for submerged timber, brush piles, and weed edges – these are crappie magnets. The best time to target them is during the pre-spawn (April/May) when they move into the shallows to prepare for spawning, and again in the fall (September/October) as water temperatures cool. A small jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm is a classic and effective presentation. Local tip: Many of these ponds are on private land, so always obtain permission before fishing. Also, be aware of fluctuating water levels, especially in late summer, which can concentrate fish or make some areas inaccessible.