Crappie

Crappie fishing around Monroe is a year-round opportunity. The numerous bayous and lakes connected to the Ouachita River provide ample habitat for these tasty panfish. Lake D'Arbonne, just north of Monroe, is particularly well-known for its crappie population. The best time to target them is during the spring spawn when they move into shallow water around brush piles and cypress trees. Use jigs or minnows under a cork, and experiment with different colors until you find what they're biting on. As the water warms, crappie will move deeper, so be prepared to fish around submerged structure. In the fall, they often school up around bridge pilings and other deep-water cover. A fish finder is essential for locating these schools. A local tip: many anglers swear by using live shiners for crappie in these waters. Check local bait shops for the freshest supply.