Crappie

Crappie fishing near Swanton, Nebraska, is best pursued at Branched Oak Lake. This reservoir offers excellent crappie habitat, including submerged timber, brush piles, and weed beds. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move shallow to spawn. Target these areas with small jigs or minnows suspended under a bobber. As the water warms, they tend to move deeper, congregating around structure. A slip bobber rig is ideal for presenting your bait at the desired depth. Fall is another productive time as crappie feed heavily before winter. A local tip: The area around the marina and the submerged timber near the dam are known crappie hotspots. Also, use light line and small hooks to maximize your chances of success. Crappie in Branched Oak tend to be a decent size, with some slabs reaching over a pound, making for a tasty meal.