Crappie

If you're looking for slab crappie in northern Illinois, Hopkins Park offers some surprisingly good opportunities. The Kankakee River, which flows nearby, is a prime crappie spot, especially in the backwaters and sloughs. Focus your efforts around submerged timber, fallen trees, and weed edges; these areas hold the most crappie. Spring is undoubtedly the best time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them in the warmer, sun-exposed areas. Another excellent time is the fall when crappie school up before winter. Minnows and jigs are your best bet. A local tip: the river can be murky after heavy rains, so check the water clarity before heading out. Public access is available at several points along the river, but be prepared for some walking to reach the prime spots. The crappie here aren't heavily pressured, so even smaller jigs and lighter line can produce great results.