Crappie

Crappie fishing around Lake Butler can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you time your trip right. These panfish are prolific in the area's clear, tannin-stained waters. The best time to target crappie is during the pre-spawn in late winter and early spring, when they congregate in shallower areas near vegetation. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits. A local pro-tip: Look for submerged structure like brush piles or fallen trees in 4-8 feet of water. These areas are crappie magnets. Consider using a slip bobber to keep your bait at the right depth. Public access points are available, but a small boat or kayak will allow you to reach some of the more secluded crappie hotspots.