Crappie

If you're looking to fill your cooler with crappie in central Illinois, Bondville offers some under-the-radar opportunities. While not a dedicated crappie hotspot, nearby lakes and reservoirs, like Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, can produce some quality fish. Focus your efforts around submerged timber, brush piles, and bridge pilings – crappie love structure. Spring is prime time, as the fish move shallow to spawn. Fall can also be productive as they feed up before winter. A small jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm is a classic presentation. A local tip: Lake of the Woods can get crowded, so arrive early, especially on weekends. Also, be aware of specific regulations for each body of water, as they can vary. The crappie here tend to be decent size, with the chance of landing some real slabs if you find the right honey hole.