Crappie

Crappie fishing near Mount Morris offers some solid opportunities, especially in the backwaters and sloughs of the Rock River. These areas provide the ideal habitat crappie prefer: submerged structure and plenty of cover. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them near brush piles, fallen trees, and weed beds in 4-8 feet of water. Small jigs and minnows suspended under a bobber are classic crappie presentations. As the water warms in the summer, crappie tend to move deeper, seeking cooler water and shade. Try fishing around deeper structure with the same techniques. Public access to the Rock River is available at several points, and smaller, private lakes in the area may also hold crappie. Local bait shops can provide valuable intel on current hotspots and water conditions.