Crappie

Chasing crappie around Bellerive Acres, Missouri, means exploring the many smaller lakes and ponds in the surrounding area. These smaller, often overlooked waters can provide excellent crappie fishing, especially during the spring spawn. Look for crappie congregating around submerged brush piles, docks, and weed beds in the shallows. A simple jig tipped with a minnow under a bobber is a classic and effective technique. As the water warms into summer, crappie will move deeper, seeking cooler water and shade. Try fishing around deeper structure with jigs or small crankbaits. A local tip: Many of the community lakes in the area are stocked regularly, so check with the local parks department for stocking schedules. Also, consider fishing at night under lights, as crappie are often attracted to the lights and the insects they draw. Remember to check local regulations for size and creel limits, as they can vary between different bodies of water.