Crappie

Crappie fishing in and around Downers Grove, Illinois, centers on a few key spots, mainly the smaller lakes and forest preserve ponds dotted throughout the area. Hidden Lake and Pickerel Lake are good starting points. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie. Look for them in shallow bays and near submerged structure like fallen trees and docks. A simple jig and bobber rig is often all you need. Minnows can be very effective as well. Local tip: Check the regulations for each specific lake, as some have restrictions on boat types or motor sizes. The crappie in these smaller waters tend to be on the smaller side, but a patient angler can often find some slabs mixed in. Focus on areas with dense cover to find the bigger fish.