Crappie

If you're after crappie in northeast Kansas, consider a trip to Whiting. While not a large metropolis, Whiting offers access to several smaller lakes and farm ponds in the surrounding area that can hold surprisingly good crappie populations. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into shallower waters to spawn. Focus on areas with submerged timber, brush piles, or docks. A small jig under a bobber is a classic and effective presentation. Local tip: Many of these ponds are on private land, so always get permission before fishing. Also, pay attention to water clarity; stained water often concentrates crappie near cover. The crappie here tend to run on the smaller side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. A day of steady action is definitely possible if you know where to look.