CRAPPIE CROP PROSPERS IN MISSOURI

JEFFERSON CITY -- Anglers, prepare for lots of days of crappie fishing fun. Some of the best fishing in Missouri this year will be on lakes where crappie swim. Above-average rainfall four of the past five years created perfect conditions for crappie to prosper at many Missouri lakes, including Bull Shoals, Mark Twain and Smithville. And prosper they did -- in number and in size.

Bull Shoals Lake, located along the Arkansas border in Ozark and Taney counties, is expected to be one of the premier locations for crappie. That, according to Mark Zurbrick, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Ozark District fisheries management biologist. He says anglers can expect an abundance of fish of legal length (10 inches) and a fairly good number of fish in the 12- to 14-inch range.

With the right equipment and techniques, many anglers will be able to fill their daily limit of 15 crappie at Bull Shoals.

Fish close to the lake shore in secondary coves during the spring spawning period. Look for crappie deeper than you would expect to find them in other reservoirs. This is the key to success in the summer and fall at Bull Shoals. Zurbrick says it's a good idea to use four-, six- or even two-pound test line and small baits, lures, or jigs.

Crappie have become the most sought-after fish at Mark Twain Lake, for a good reason; there are lots of them, and they're easy to catch. Ken Brummett, MDC's fisheries management biologist for the lake just southwest of Hannibal, says the crappie can be caught all year, but mid-April through the end of May offers the best opportunity. Mark Twain tends to stay murky through early summer. Shoreline cover is most productive.

By mid-summer, the best success moves to bridge piers and large flooded timber. Anglers report success using both artificial and live bait. There is no length limit at Mark Twain. The daily limit is 15 crappie.

Smithville Lake just north of Kansas City should prove rewarding for anglers searching for a bit of a challenge.

Northwest District Fisheries Management Biologist Lynn Schrader says the lake is chock- full of fish close to the legal length limit of nine inches. He advises careful checking to make sure you keep only legal fish; about a third of the crappie in the lake are keepers.

Spring fishing at Smithville should be done in shallow water close to the shore on nearly any type jig or minnow. During the summer and fall, fish deeper with minnows. The daily limit on crappie at Smithville Lake is 15.

Crappie will be plentiful at many other lakes and some streams in Missouri. MDC's "1996 Fishing Prospects at Selected Missouri Lakes and Streams" can guide you to these and other fishing spots. The booklet also provides information on regulations and advice about equipment and techniques to make your fishing ventures successful. To request a copy of the free booklet write to: Fishing Prospects, Fisheries Division, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.