Crappie

Crappie fishing near Sedalia, Missouri, can be quite rewarding, especially in the spring. Several lakes and reservoirs within a short drive hold healthy crappie populations. Lake of the Ozarks, while large, offers numerous coves and creek arms that are excellent for crappie during the spawn. Truman Lake, another nearby option, also has good crappie fishing. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move into shallow water to spawn around brush piles and submerged timber. Minnows and small jigs are the go-to baits. A local tip: look for areas with slightly stained water, as these often hold more crappie. During the summer months, focus on deeper structure, such as submerged brush piles or creek channels, using heavier jigs or minnow rigs. Many local anglers use spider rigging techniques with multiple poles to cover more water.