Crappie

If you're hunting for slab-sized crappie in southeast Nebraska, Bruning offers some surprisingly good opportunities in its local reservoirs and farm ponds. While specific locations are often closely guarded secrets by local anglers, the general rule is: find structure, find crappie. Look for submerged timber, brush piles, or weed edges, especially near deeper water. Spring is prime time, as crappie move shallow to spawn. Early morning and late evening are usually best. A small jig or minnow suspended under a bobber is a classic presentation. Don't overlook the fall months either; crappie will school up again as the water cools. Be sure to check Nebraska Game and Parks regulations for any specific lake restrictions or size/creel limits. A useful tip is to try fishing near any inflow or outflow points of the reservoirs, as these areas tend to concentrate baitfish.