Crappie

If crappie are your target, Channahon, Illinois, has a few hidden gems. The Illinois & Michigan Canal and some of the connected ponds offer decent crappie fishing. Look for them around submerged timber, bridge pilings, and weed beds. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is the best time to find them in shallow water. Minnows and small jigs are the go-to baits. A local angler's secret is to fish the canal near the locks, as the current creates eddies where crappie congregate. Be prepared for some smaller fish, but patient anglers can find some slabs. Access points along the I&M Canal State Trail provide easy bank fishing. Consider using a slip bobber to present your bait at the right depth. Watch for subtle bites, as crappie can be finicky.