Crappie

Crappie fishing near Carbondale, Illinois can be quite rewarding, especially in the spring. Kinkaid Lake is a popular destination, known for its abundant crappie population. Springtime, when the water temperatures rise to the 60s, is prime time as crappie move into shallow coves to spawn. Focus your efforts around submerged timber, brush piles, and weed edges in 5-10 feet of water. Minnows and jigs under a bobber are classic crappie presentations that consistently produce. A local tip: try fishing around the numerous boat docks and piers on Kinkaid; these structures often hold crappie seeking shade and cover. Remember to check lake levels before heading out, as fluctuating water can affect crappie location. Also, Kinkaid crappie tend to be on the smaller side, so be prepared to sort through some fish to find keepers.