Crappie

Crappie fishing around Orland Park can be quite rewarding if you know where to look. The many forest preserve lakes and ponds offer decent crappie populations. Tampier Lake, with its extensive shoreline and submerged structure, is a popular choice. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into shallow bays and near docks to spawn. Look for areas with submerged brush, weed lines, or fallen trees. A simple jig suspended under a bobber is a classic and effective technique. Minnows are also a reliable bait. A local tip is to try fishing near the bridge pilings on Tampier Lake, as they often hold crappie. During the summer months, crappie tend to move deeper, so try fishing near drop-offs or using a fish finder to locate schools. The crappie in these lakes are generally good eating size, making for a delicious fish fry.