Crappie

If you're looking for some slab-sized crappie near Kansas City, Missouri, you're in luck. The area's reservoirs like Smithville Lake and Lake of the Ozarks (a bit further drive) offer great crappie fishing. Focus on submerged timber, brush piles, and creek channels, especially during the spring spawn (late March-April) when they move into shallower water to nest. In the fall, they'll school up again as water temperatures cool. Minnows and jigs are your best bet, but presentation is key. Clearer water often calls for lighter line and natural-colored jigs. A local tip: Smithville Lake can get crowded, especially on weekends, so consider fishing during the week or exploring some of the smaller coves away from the main boat traffic. Pay attention to water clarity, as recent rains can muddy the water, pushing crappie deeper or into clearer tributaries.