Crappie

If you're looking for slab crappie in southeast Missouri, Des Arc offers some fantastic opportunities. The local waterways, primarily the St. Francis River and its backwaters, are where you'll find them. What makes this area special is the abundance of submerged timber and brush piles that provide excellent cover for crappie. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move shallow to spawn, but the fall bite can also be very productive as they fatten up for winter. For bank access, try the public access points along Highway 25 near the river. A local tip: many anglers find success using minnows or small jigs under a bobber near submerged structure. Be aware that the St. Francis can fluctuate rapidly with rainfall, so check river levels before heading out.