Crappie

Crappie fishing near Paradise, Kansas, can be quite productive, especially in the spring. The best spots are the numerous farm ponds and small lakes scattered throughout the region. These smaller bodies of water warm up quickly, triggering the crappie spawn. Look for submerged timber, brush piles, and weed beds in relatively shallow water (4-8 feet). Small jigs and minnows suspended under a bobber are classic crappie presentations. A local trick is to use brightly colored jigs in stained water. While the individual crappie may not be trophy-sized, the numbers can be impressive. Spring is definitely the peak season, but you can also find crappie in deeper water near structure during the summer and fall. Access to some of these ponds may require permission from landowners, so be sure to ask before fishing. Remember to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks regulations for creel and size limits.