Crappie

If you're looking for slabs in north-central Iowa, Klemme offers some surprisingly good crappie fishing, particularly in the spring and fall. While not a renowned crappie destination, the small lakes and ponds in the area, often overlooked, can hold decent populations of crappie. Look for shallow, weedy areas and submerged structure, especially near public access points. The best time to target them is during the pre-spawn (April-May) when they move into the shallows to feed, and again in the fall as water temperatures cool. A simple bobber and jig setup with a minnow or small plastic is often all you need. Remember to check local regulations regarding size and bag limits, as these can vary from lake to lake. A local tip: try accessing some of the smaller, less-pressured ponds on public land; you might be surprised at the hidden gems you find.