Crappie

Crappie fishing around Hartville, Missouri, is a popular pursuit, and for good reason! Several nearby lakes and reservoirs offer excellent crappie habitat. These waters are known for their abundant standing timber and submerged brush, creating ideal cover for crappie. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Small jigs and minnows fished under a bobber are the go-to presentations. Local tip: Focus your efforts around bridge pilings and submerged timber in the early spring. As the water warms, crappie will move into shallower brush. Also, be sure to check the water clarity, as crappie prefer slightly stained water. The crappie population in these lakes is generally healthy, with a good mix of black and white crappie. With a little local knowledge and the right techniques, you can enjoy some fantastic crappie fishing near Hartville.