Crappie

Crappie fishing near McCord Bend on Lake of the Ozarks can be incredibly productive, particularly during the spring spawning season. When water temperatures reach the mid-60s, crappie move into shallow coves and around submerged brush piles to spawn. Look for areas with standing timber or man-made crappie beds. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits, fished under a bobber or slow-trolled. A local tip is to use a depth finder to locate submerged structure and crappie schools. During the summer and winter months, crappie tend to move deeper, suspending around submerged trees and docks. The Gravois Arm and the Niangua Arm of the lake offer excellent crappie habitat. Be mindful of daily limits and size restrictions, and always check the current regulations. The crappie in Lake of the Ozarks are known for their good size, and a limit of these tasty fish makes for a great meal.