Crappie

Crappie fishing near Bellflower, Missouri, centers around the numerous farm ponds and smaller lakes scattered throughout the area. These often-overlooked gems can hold impressive populations of crappie. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is the peak season. Look for crappie congregating near brush piles, submerged timber, and shallow weed beds. A simple jig and bobber setup is often all you need. The fall can also be productive as crappie school up before winter. A local hotspot is often the private ponds surrounding Bellflower; always ask for permission before fishing. For those without pond access, focus on the slower-moving sections of the creeks where structure is present. The crappie in these smaller waters tend to be relatively uniform in size, averaging around 9-11 inches, but the consistent action makes for a fun day on the water.