Crappie

If you're chasing crappie near Hometown, Illinois, you'll want to focus your efforts on the local lakes and reservoirs that dot the landscape. These bodies of water, often overlooked, hold surprisingly healthy populations of crappie. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them near submerged timber, brush piles, and weed beds. A simple jig and bobber rig, tipped with a minnow or crappie nibble, is often all you need. Fall is another great time, as the crappie school up before winter. Local tip: Try targeting the areas around the Route 45 bridge on Lake Kickapoo; the structure there often holds good numbers of fish. Be aware that water levels can fluctuate, so check conditions before heading out. The crappie in these smaller waters tend to be a bit smaller on average, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Don't be surprised to catch dozens in a single outing!