Crappie

Hollowayville, Illinois, offers some decent crappie fishing opportunities, primarily within the Illinois River backwaters and associated lakes. These areas provide the shallow, weedy habitat that crappie prefer. Spring is undoubtedly the peak season, as crappie move into these shallows to spawn. Focus your efforts around brush piles, submerged timber, and any available cover. Small jigs and minnows suspended under a bobber are classic crappie presentations that work well here. A local tip: Many anglers find success fishing around the edges of lily pads and weed beds. The crappie population in this region can be cyclical, so it's always a good idea to check local fishing reports before your trip. You'll generally find a mix of black and white crappie, with sizes averaging around 9-12 inches, but larger fish are certainly possible. Remember to practice selective harvesting to help maintain a healthy crappie population.