Crappie

If you're after crappie in the Chicago area, you'll want to focus your efforts on the many forest preserve lakes and lagoons scattered throughout the suburbs, and the Calumet system. These waters warm up quicker than Lake Michigan, making them prime spots for early-season crappie. Spring (pre-spawn) and fall are the peak times, when crappie school up in predictable locations. Look for submerged structure like brush piles, fallen trees, and docks, especially near channels or areas with current. During the spawn, target shallow weedy areas. A light-action rod with 4-6 pound test line is ideal. A small minnow or tube jig under a slip bobber is a classic presentation. Remember, crappie can be finicky, so experiment with different colors and depths until you find what they're hitting. Public access is generally good around most forest preserve lakes, but be sure to check local regulations regarding size and creel limits.