Crappie

Crappie anglers near Hawthorne often find success at Lake Machado (Ken Malloy Regional Park Lake). While not a crappie mecca, it offers a decent, easily accessible fishery. Spring is the best time, as crappie move shallow to spawn. Target areas around submerged structure, docks, and weed beds with small jigs or minnows suspended under a bobber. A local tip: Fish near the fishing pier on the east side of the lake; it provides good access to deeper water and structure. The crappie in Lake Machado tend to be on the smaller side, but they are plentiful, providing fun action for anglers of all skill levels. Early morning and late evening are the most productive times, especially during the warmer months. Be patient and experiment with different depths until you find where the fish are holding.