Crappie

Crappie fishing near Albany, Missouri, can be quite productive, particularly in the numerous smaller lakes and ponds scattered throughout the region. The Grand River Conservation Area offers several lakes known to hold good populations of crappie. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move into shallow water to spawn. Look for them around submerged timber, brush piles, and docks. Small jigs and minnows are the go-to baits. During the summer months, crappie tend to move deeper, so try fishing near drop-offs and submerged structure with a slip bobber rig. Local tip: Many of the smaller ponds are best accessed by foot, so be prepared to do some walking. Also, be mindful of private property boundaries and always obtain permission before fishing on private land. The crappie in this area are generally of good size, and with a little persistence, you can often put together a nice stringer.