Crappie

Crappie fishing near Highwood presents a unique challenge, as you'll be targeting smaller, inland lakes and ponds rather than Lake Michigan. These waters, often found within forest preserves or park districts, can hold decent crappie populations if you know where to look. Spring is undoubtedly the best time, as the crappie move into shallow bays and coves to spawn. Look for areas with submerged brush, docks, or overhanging vegetation. Small jigs and minnows suspended under a bobber are classic crappie presentations. A key to success near Highwood is adapting to the water clarity. Many of these lakes are stained, so use brighter colored jigs or add scent to your bait. A good access point is the Skokie Lagoons. Though better known for bass, these lagoons also hold crappie, especially around the edges of weed beds. These crappie can be finicky, so experiment with different jig colors and retrieve speeds until you find what they want.