Crappie

If you're heading to the Airport Drive area in Missouri for crappie, you'll want to focus on nearby reservoirs and slower-moving sections of the Missouri River. While not directly on Airport Drive, these are your best bets within a reasonable driving distance. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into shallower waters to spawn. Look for brush piles, submerged timber, and creek channels near the main lake or river channel. Fall can also be productive as the water cools and crappie feed aggressively before winter. A local tip: many anglers launch from public access points along the Missouri River and then navigate to quieter backwaters and connected lakes. Be mindful of river current and changing water levels, especially after heavy rains. Crappie in this area tend to average around 9-12 inches, but larger slabs over 14 inches are definitely possible. Minnows and small jigs are always a good starting point.