Crappie

If you're chasing crappie in the Bloomfield, Nebraska, area, focus your efforts on the local ponds, small lakes, and backwaters of the Missouri River tributaries. While not a crappie mecca, there are enough hidden gems to make it worthwhile. Spring is undoubtedly the best time, as crappie move shallow to spawn, congregating around submerged timber, brush piles, and weed beds. A simple jig and bobber setup, tipped with a minnow or crappie nibble, is highly effective. Look for darker, stained water, as these areas tend to warm up quicker and hold more crappie. The key to success near Bloomfield is persistence and exploration. Many of the best spots are smaller and require a bit of walking to access. Local tip: Check with the local bait shops for intel on recent crappie activity and specific areas that are producing.