Crappie

Crappie fishing near Ulysses requires a bit of exploration, but the rewards can be worthwhile. While not known as a crappie hotspot, smaller lakes and ponds, especially those on private land with permission, can hold decent populations. Early spring, as the water warms, is the prime time for crappie as they move shallow to spawn. Look for brush piles, submerged timber, or docks in 5-10 feet of water. Small jigs or minnows fished under a bobber are classic crappie presentations. A practical tip: pay attention to water clarity. If the water is murky, use brighter colored jigs. Crappie in this area tend to be on the smaller side, but they're still a tasty treat. Consider checking smaller, lesser-known bodies of water, as they often receive less fishing pressure.