Crappie

Crappie fishing near Clare, Iowa, revolves around finding the right habitat in the smaller lakes and impoundments that dot the landscape. While you won't find large reservoirs teeming with crappie, the local waters can offer consistent action if you know where to look. Focus your efforts in the spring as the water warms, paying close attention to shallow bays with submerged timber or brush. Crappie will often congregate near these areas to spawn. Small jigs and minnows are effective baits. Fall is another good time to target crappie, as they school up in deeper water before winter. Use your electronics to locate these schools, and try vertical jigging. A key to success here is patience – crappie fishing can be slow at times, but persistence will often pay off. Be sure to check local regulations regarding size and creel limits. Local knowledge: the smaller impoundments often experience weed growth during the summer months, so focus on areas with less vegetation or use weedless presentations.