Crappie

Crappie fishing near Baldwin, Iowa, can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know where to look. The smaller lakes and backwaters connected to the Wapsipinicon River offer some excellent crappie habitat. Look for submerged timber, brush piles, and weed beds, as these are prime crappie hangouts. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into the shallows to spawn. A simple jig tipped with a minnow or a small plastic tube bait fished under a bobber is a classic and effective technique. As the water warms up in the summer, crappie tend to move deeper, so you'll need to adjust your tactics accordingly. Try fishing near deeper structure or using a slip bobber to present your bait at the right depth. Access to some of the best crappie spots requires a small boat or kayak, so plan accordingly. Be mindful of water levels in the Wapsipinicon, as they can fluctuate quickly.