Crappie

If you're targeting crappie in the Mathiston, Mississippi area, you'll want to focus on the local lakes and reservoirs. These waters offer a classic crappie habitat with plenty of submerged structure like brush piles, fallen timber, and creek channels that these fish love to congregate around. Spring is prime time, as crappie move shallow to spawn. Look for them near spawning beds in the shallows. Fall can also be productive as they fatten up before winter. A local tip: Many anglers find success slow-trolling minnows or jigs around submerged structure. Also, be aware that water levels in some smaller lakes can fluctuate, so check conditions before heading out. The crappie here aren't known to be giants, but you can find respectable slabs with persistence and good presentation.