Crappie

Crappie fishing near Richland, Missouri, can be quite rewarding, especially if you target the numerous smaller lakes and ponds in the area. While the Lake of the Ozarks is an option, exploring smaller bodies of water can yield less pressured fish. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move shallow to spawn. Look for them around submerged brush, docks, and standing timber. A simple jig and bobber setup is often all you need. Minnows are also a reliable bait. A helpful local tip: many smaller lakes have limited boat access, so a kayak or canoe can be advantageous. The crappie population in these smaller lakes tends to consist of a mix of black and white crappie, with good numbers of keeper-sized fish.