Crappie

Crappie fishing near Willow Springs, Missouri, can be quite rewarding, especially if you know where to look. The area's numerous small lakes and ponds, as well as larger reservoirs like Norfork Lake (a bit of a drive, but worth it), provide excellent crappie habitat. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target these panfish, as they move into shallow water to spawn. Look for them around submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and docks. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits, and a slow, steady retrieve often works best. A local trick is to use a slip bobber to suspend your bait at the right depth. The crappie in this region are typically white crappie, and they can reach impressive sizes in some of the less-pressured waters. Keep an eye on water clarity, as crappie prefer slightly stained water.