Crappie

Crappie fishing near Beach Park can be quite productive, especially in the Chain O'Lakes and other smaller lakes in the area. These panfish congregate around submerged structure like brush piles, docks, and weed beds. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is the most popular time, as crappie move into shallow water to reproduce. Small jigs tipped with minnows or plastic trailers are highly effective. A local tip: use a slip bobber to present your bait at the correct depth. Also, be aware that crappie often school together, so if you catch one, there are likely more nearby. The crappie in this region can be quite prolific, offering anglers the chance to catch good numbers of fish. Look for areas with slightly stained water, as crappie tend to prefer these conditions.