Crappie

If you're looking to tangle with some crappie near Norridge, Illinois, you'll want to focus your efforts on the Des Plaines River and its associated backwaters and forest preserve lakes. These waters, though sometimes overlooked, hold surprisingly good populations of crappie. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Focus on areas with submerged timber, brush piles, or weed beds. Late fall can also be productive as crappie school up before winter. A great access point is the Schiller Woods Forest Preserve, which provides ample shoreline access and a boat launch for smaller boats. Keep an eye on water clarity; the Des Plaines can get muddy after heavy rains, so clear water is key. Local anglers often find success using small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms under a float, especially around submerged structure. Remember to check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website for updated creel limits and regulations.