Ozarks Hillbilly needs advice

Howdy, Would like some suggestions, ideas etc. I have a weeks vacation to use in Feb. or Mar. and my wife and I would like to come to some place warmer to catch some crappies. We are in the southwest Missouri Ozarks and have 8 large and many small lakes near us, so not looking to fill the freezer, but would like enough to eat while there and sore mouth many. We would like suggestions for lakes etc. We have a 87 champion bass boat we use mostly but do have a 20 x 36 john boat with a 9.9 and tm. Thoughts and ideas appreciated. Other than catching crabs on a string and chicken necks back in 1991 we have never fished Louisiana, been there several times Independence Bowl etc. Like the whole state, Love warmer weather???? Help Please?? Thanks
g

March....Lake Darbonne in north Louisiana 22 miles northeast of Ruston. State park there. Could be a winner, depends on the rainfall.

Toledo Bend. By then you should be able to catch crappie shallow.

Toldeo Bend like Danny said is usually good shallow at that time.

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Originally Posted by shadow

Toldeo Bend like Danny said is usually good shallow at that time.

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All, Thanks, may give both lakes a try. Which boat should I bring, 20' Champion is what I use on most of our highland reservoirs here, as it will handle rough water and is comfortable to fish out of. But when up in the creek protected areas in the stumps and trees my tin boat can fit through more and I do not worry about beating it up. I can run electronics on either. Also Will be looking for a place to stay? Open to suggestions of areas and motels. Do not need anything fancy, just clean as all we will do is fish, shower and sleep? I am just a working guy, so looking for reasonable costs. We could camp but hate to double pull that far. Thanks
g

D'Arbonne and many other lakes are better suited for the Bass boat. State parks have furnished 2 bedroom furnished cabins. some even have its own dock as they are on the water. Kitchens are ready to cook, You just bring food. I dont want to discourage you from fishing our waters but North Mississippi Have Lakes that are stocked every year with mid sized Crappie and trips to those lakes like Granada will blow your Doors off...... Never been there but have seen posts by east Arkansas Folks. Cabin rentals fill up fast during the spawn, if you can make some reservations and fish several. Poverty Point Is a smaller Resivoir just off I-20 half way between Vicksburg Miss. and Monroe. It is packed at that time .... but the fish there are large

I agree with Shadow (Dwayne) and Danny, Toledo Bend is legendary.

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Originally Posted by Tracker123

I agree with Shadow (Dwayne) and Danny, Toledo Bend is legendary.

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hope to make it legendary in January:)

Bring the bass boat and go to toledo bend, you wont have to worry about stumps. you will be using your trolling motor to stroll "slow troll" 1/16 and 1/8 oz jigs along grass lines in 12-18 ft of water.

either boat would work fine, but i would go with the heavier one as winds can whip up a little.

griz, post on the Mississippi forum also. I bet you almost start an argument over which of their big 4 lakes are the best. lol. You would not go wrong going to them either, like fish on line said. If you come to Toledo Bend, check with Cypress Bend or San Miguel parks. The cabins are reasonable. Also you can get out of state licenses for $5 in Louisiana.