Crappie

Crappie fishing around Campus, Illinois, centers on finding those hidden honey holes in the area's small lakes and ponds. While there aren't major reservoirs nearby, the smaller, often-overlooked waters can hold decent populations of crappie. Spring, especially during the spawn, is the best time to target them. Look for shallow bays, brush piles, and submerged timber. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits. A slip bobber rig is particularly effective for presenting your bait at the right depth. A practical tip: many of these ponds are on private property, so always secure permission beforehand. Crappie in these smaller bodies of water often school tightly, so once you find one, you're likely to find more. Pay attention to water clarity; if it's murky, use brighter colored jigs to attract their attention.