Crappie

Crappie fishing near Indian Creek, Illinois, is best pursued in the numerous small lakes and ponds scattered throughout the region. These smaller bodies of water often hold dense populations of crappie, offering anglers a chance at consistent action. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into shallow water near brush and submerged vegetation. A local's secret: Focus on finding submerged structure – fallen trees, brush piles, or even man-made fish attractors. Small jigs and minnows fished under a bobber are classic crappie presentations that work well here. Be aware that many of these smaller lakes are privately owned, so always obtain permission before fishing. The crappie in these waters tend to run on the smaller side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers.