Crappie

Tuscumbia, Missouri, puts you in the heart of crappie country, with the Lake of the Ozarks being the main draw. This massive reservoir offers ample habitat for crappie, from submerged timber to brush piles and boat docks. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie here, as they move into the shallows to spawn. Focus on coves and creek arms with submerged structure. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits. During the summer, crappie tend to move deeper, so try fishing around submerged brush piles and bridge pilings. A local tip is to use a slip bobber rig to present your bait at the desired depth. Several boat ramps around Tuscumbia provide easy access to the lake. Note that the Lake of the Ozarks can get busy, so plan your trip accordingly, especially on weekends.