Crappie

Crappie fishing near Ashland, Nebraska, revolves around the lakes and backwaters connected to the Platte River. These areas offer a mix of shallow, weedy habitat and deeper channels that crappie use throughout the year. Spring is the prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Target areas with submerged brush, docks, and weed edges. Small jigs and minnows are the go-to baits. Fall can also be productive as the water cools and crappie school up in deeper water. A local tip: focus on areas where the river channels enter the lakes, as these spots often concentrate fish. Also, be aware of the current in these areas, as it can affect your presentation. The crappie here tend to be a mix of black and white crappie, and while trophy-sized fish are rare, there are plenty of eater-sized crappie to be caught.