Crappie

Crappie fishing near San Mateo can be rewarding in the right locations. While not as widely publicized as bass fishing, several nearby lakes and reservoirs hold decent populations of crappie. Look to reservoirs such as Crystal Springs or Pilarcitos Lake. These lakes offer the submerged structure and vegetation that crappie prefer. Spring is the prime time for crappie, as they move into shallow water to spawn. Small jigs and minnows fished under a bobber are highly effective. A local tip is to focus on submerged trees and brush, especially in coves and along creek channels. Also, be prepared to move around until you locate a school of crappie. Crappie in this area typically range from 8-12 inches, making for excellent table fare.