Crappie

Crappie fishing in Overland Park can be quite rewarding if you know where to look. Forget sprawling reservoirs; focus on the smaller lakes and ponds within the city limits. These often-overlooked spots can hold surprisingly large populations of crappie. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into shallow water to spawn. Look for brush piles, submerged timber, and docks, as these provide cover and attract crappie. During the fall, crappie will often school up in deeper water near structure. A good starting point is Heritage Park Lake, known for its accessible shoreline and crappie habitat. A local tip: use small jigs or minnows suspended under a bobber. Vary your depth until you find where the crappie are holding. The crappie in these smaller waters can be sensitive to pressure, so try to fish during off-peak hours for the best results.