When it comes to freshwater fish that make the best table fare, white crappie are near the top of everyone’s list.

The best time to catch crappie is during the spawning season, usually late April through May.

While minnows are great for crappie, most anglers use jigs with various tail configurations, from rubber twister tails to feather marabous, in numerous colors.

Small spinner baits also work well. The wise angler will carry a variety of these in his or her tackle box and try several until finding one that works. Finding the right bait is secondary for crappie fishing success, however.

Finding the right water is most important.

Here are the northeast Kansas lakes that have been rated good or better for crappie by Wildlife and Parks:

Clinton – Crappie are in close to shore, and most fish are being caught on jigs over rocky areas.

Hillsdale – Crappie are spawning now, and anglers are catching good numbers of fish in the shallows around structure.

Lone Star Lake – Most crappie are being caught off rocky banks and brushpiles.

Shawnee Mission Lake – Brushpiles harbor crappie as large as 13 inches.

Lake Olathe – Brushpiles and shoreline vegetation are yielding good numbers of crappie, most smaller than seven inches.

Lake Shawnee – Crappie as large as one pound are being caught from the bank.

Melvern – This lake reports that fish are moving along the banks to spawn. Fish range from eight to 13 inches.

Pomona – Good crappie fishing is reported as fish move closer to the shore to spawn.