Crappie

If you're heading to Auxvasse, Missouri with crappie on your mind, you're likely thinking of the numerous smaller lakes and ponds scattered throughout the area, or perhaps a trip to nearby Mark Twain Lake. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them around submerged timber, brush piles, and near docks in the coves. A simple minnow under a bobber is tough to beat this time of year. For a local tip, try targeting smaller, less pressured ponds. These often hold surprisingly large crappie that haven't seen as many lures. As the water warms into summer, crappie will move deeper, so switch to jigs or crankbaits and focus on structure in 10-15 feet of water. Fall can also be productive as they feed up before winter. Remember to check local regulations for size and creel limits, as they can vary between different bodies of water in the region.