Crappie

Looking to tangle with some crappie in northwest Iowa? Archer offers a few under-the-radar opportunities for slabs. While not a destination fishery, the small lakes and farm ponds scattered around Archer can hold surprisingly good populations of crappie. Spring is prime time, as the fish move into the shallows to spawn. Focus on areas with submerged timber, brush piles, or weed edges. A simple jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm is often all you need. Access can be a bit tricky, as many of the best spots are on private land. Always seek permission before fishing on private property. Public access is available at some of the smaller county-managed lakes. Local tip: Pay attention to water clarity. If the water is murky after a rain, the crappie tend to move a bit deeper. Also, the crappie in this area tend to be a bit smaller than those in southern Iowa, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Don't be afraid to experiment with different jig colors and presentations to find what the fish are biting on that day.