Crappie

Diamond, Illinois, offers some surprisingly good crappie fishing, especially if you know where to look. The Mazon River, along with several smaller lakes and ponds in the surrounding area, hold decent populations of these panfish. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Focus on areas with submerged timber, brush piles, and docks. Small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms are usually irresistible. Many of the smaller lakes are accessible from shore, but a small boat or kayak can open up more opportunities. Be aware that some areas may have restricted access or require permits, so check local regulations before heading out. The crappie here are generally good-sized, with some slabs reaching over a pound. Look for stained water conditions, as this often concentrates the fish.