Crappie

Crappie fishing near Lisbon, Iowa, can be quite rewarding if you know where to look. While there aren't any massive reservoirs nearby, several smaller lakes, ponds, and backwater areas along the Wapsipinicon River hold decent crappie populations. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target them, as they move into the shallows to spawn. Look for crappie around submerged timber, brush piles, and weed beds in these areas. Small jigs tipped with minnows or plastic tubes are highly effective. A local tip: focus your efforts on areas with slightly stained water, as crappie tend to prefer these conditions. Also, be sure to bring a depth finder to locate submerged structure where crappie are likely to congregate. Access to the Wapsipinicon River is available at several public access points near Lisbon. Expect to find a mix of black and white crappie, with some reaching respectable sizes.