Crappie

Crappie fishing near Colfax, Iowa, can be quite rewarding, especially in the numerous ponds and small lakes dotted around the countryside. These smaller bodies of water often hold good populations of crappie, and the relative lack of fishing pressure compared to larger reservoirs can mean better success. Spring (April-May) is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie as they move into shallow water to spawn. Look for them around brush piles, submerged timber, and weed edges. A local tip: try fishing under a bobber with a small jig or minnow. The water clarity in these ponds can vary, so experiment with different jig colors to see what the crappie are keying on. Many of the ponds are privately owned, so be sure to obtain permission before fishing. However, some public access points can be found on county conservation lands. The crappie in these smaller waters often grow to a respectable size, with some reaching upwards of 12 inches.