Crappie

For crappie enthusiasts visiting Carbon Hill, Illinois, the local strip mine lakes and ponds offer surprisingly good opportunities. These smaller bodies of water often hold dense populations of crappie, particularly in areas with submerged timber or brush piles. Spring is the undisputed prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them near docks, fallen trees, and weed edges. Small jigs and minnows suspended under a bobber are classic crappie presentations that work well here. A local trick is to add a crappie nibble to your jig for extra scent and attraction. During the summer months, crappie tend to move deeper, so you'll need to adjust your tactics accordingly. Try fishing near submerged structure in 10-15 feet of water. The crappie in these waters are known to be relatively aggressive, making for some exciting and consistent fishing.