Crappie

Crappie fishing around Crete, Illinois, centers around the many small lakes and ponds scattered throughout the area. These smaller bodies of water can offer excellent crappie fishing, especially during the spring spawn. Look for crappie to congregate near submerged structure like fallen trees, brush piles, and docks in the shallows during the spawn. Minnows and small jigs are the go-to baits for crappie in these waters. A practical tip for Crete is to target the shaded areas of the ponds, particularly during the warmer months, as crappie tend to seek refuge from the sun. Also, many of these ponds are relatively shallow, so a stealthy approach is key to avoid spooking the fish. The crappie in Crete's ponds tend to be relatively abundant, making for some fast-paced action when you locate a school.