Crappie

Crappie fishing around Hattiesburg, Mississippi, can be quite productive if you know where to look. While the area might not be famous for crappie, the Leaf River, Bouie River, and several smaller lakes and oxbows hold decent populations. These fish thrive in the submerged structure and vegetation these waters offer. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into shallow areas to spawn. Look for them around brush piles, submerged timber, and lily pads. Small jigs and minnows are the go-to baits. A local angler's secret is to focus on the backwaters and sloughs off the main river channels; these areas often hold larger concentrations of crappie. Be mindful of water levels, as heavy rains can muddy the water and push crappie into deeper cover. While not trophy-sized on average, the crappie in this region are plentiful, offering a fun and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.