Crappie

If you're heading to Cherry, Illinois, for crappie, you'll want to focus your efforts on the local lakes and ponds scattered throughout Bureau County. These smaller bodies of water can hold surprisingly good populations of crappie, especially those with submerged timber or weed beds. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them in areas with warmer water and plenty of cover. Early morning and late evening are typically the most productive times to fish. A small jig or minnow under a bobber is a classic crappie presentation that works well here. Local tip: many of these ponds are on private property, so always be sure to get permission before fishing. Also, pay attention to water clarity; if it's murky, try using brighter colored jigs to help the fish see your bait.