Crappie

Crappie fishing near Fox River Grove can be quite rewarding, particularly in the backwaters and sloughs connected to the Fox River. Spring is the magic time, when crappie move into shallow, sheltered areas to spawn. Look for them around submerged timber, brush piles, and docks. Small jigs tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles are deadly. As the water warms in the summer, they tend to move deeper, so adjust your tactics accordingly. Fall can also be productive as they feed up before winter. A local's secret is to explore the smaller, less-pressured lakes and ponds in the area; these often hold good populations of crappie that haven't seen as many lures. Many areas have public access points, but be mindful of private property. The crappie in this region average a decent size, with the chance for some real slabs if you put in the time.