Crappie

Crappie fishing around Roeland Park, Kansas, means exploring the smaller, often overlooked waters in the area. While not a renowned crappie destination, the local ponds and lakes, along with the slower-moving sections of the Kansas River, can hold decent populations. Spring is prime time, particularly during the pre-spawn and spawn when crappie move shallow. Look for them around submerged brush, docks, and any other structure that provides cover. A simple jig and bobber setup is often all you need. A local tip: try fishing near the numerous small creeks that feed into the Kansas River; these areas can concentrate crappie as they move to spawn. The crappie in this region tend to be on the smaller side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Minnows and small jigs are your best bet, and varying your presentation depth can be crucial to finding the actively feeding fish. Remember to check local regulations for creel limits and size restrictions.