Crappie

If you're chasing crappie in central Missouri, Wellsville offers some under-the-radar opportunities. The smaller lakes and ponds around the area, often overlooked in favor of larger reservoirs, can hold surprisingly good populations of crappie. Look for submerged timber and brush piles, especially in the spring as the crappie move shallow to spawn. Focus on areas with warmer water temperatures, particularly in the afternoons. Spring (April-May) is prime time, but the fall can also be productive as the water cools. A local tip: many of the smaller lakes are on private land, so always obtain permission before fishing. Also, the crappie in these smaller bodies of water tend to be a bit more finicky, so experiment with different jig colors and presentations until you find what they're biting. Minnows and small jigs under a bobber are always a good starting point.