Crappie

Crappie fishing near Barada, Nebraska, revolves around the smaller lakes and reservoirs in the area. These waters, while not massive, offer the perfect habitat for crappie to thrive. Spring, particularly during the pre-spawn and spawn (typically April and May), is the golden window. Focus on areas with submerged timber, brush piles, or weed beds in relatively shallow water (6-10 feet). Small jigs and minnows suspended under a bobber are classic and effective presentations. As the water warms in the summer, crappie will often move deeper, congregating around structure. A local angler's secret: many of the smaller, unnamed ponds hold surprisingly large crappie that are less pressured than those in the larger, more well-known lakes. Be sure to check local regulations for creel limits and size restrictions, as they can vary from lake to lake. The crappie population here is generally robust, with a good mix of sizes.