populations. Crappie fishing should be similar to 2006's, with most black crappie on the small side and white crappie, although not as numerous, providing more large fish for anglers. Area managers suggest looking for schools of white crappie in the south end of the lake and around sunken brushpiles.

Like Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake supports both white crappie and black crappie. Black crappie continue to be numerous in the lake, but small, generally less than 9 inches. White Crappie although less numerous grow faster and will continue to provide larger individuals for successful crappie anglers in 2007.

The largest lake close to Kansas City is Smithville Lake just north of town. According to the manager, crappie angling's popularity ranks second only to bass angling's. The lake supports both black and white crappie populations, with about 20 percent larger than 9 inches. Fishing in 2007 should continue to be good, however; lake managers suggest looking for white crappie schools for the best fishing.

Truman Lake may be the best crappie lake in the Kansas City region and one of the best in Missouri. It consistently produces great crappie fishing and 2007 should be no exception. A strong crappie year-class produced in 2004 will grow through legal size during 2007, producing great fishing for crappie 9 inches and larger most of the year.

NORTHWEST REGION
Crappie will continue to remain the angler's choice fish from Happy Holler Lake in 2007. Anglers can again expect to catch good numbers of 9- to 12-inch crappie during the year. Like other northern Missouri lakes, Happy Holler Lake supports excellent winter ice fishing for large crappie.

Mozingo Lake will continue to produce great crappie fishing in 2007, with anglers catching limits of 9- to 17-inch crappie during the spring spawn and in the fall when the lake cools. In fall, managers recommend, look for suspended schools of crappie over brushpiles and downed timber.

SUMMARY
To summarize the 2007 crappie outlook in Missouri lakes: Fishing should be good overall. If you're looking to harvest large numbers of crappie, fish lakes without a length limit. For large crappie, fish lakes with minimum-length limits and reduce creel limits. Studies have demonstrated that length limits produce consistent crappie fishing year to year and more large individuals than do unregulated lakes. The same studies also show anglers will take home the same amount or more crappie filets as measured by weight from regulated lakes. Anglers also rate fishing quality as much higher in regulated crappie lakes than in unregulated venues.

So go out and enjoy Missouri's crappie fishing in 2007.

Find more about Missouri fishing and hunting at: MissouriGameandFish.com