Crappie

Crappie fishing near Princeton, Illinois, can be quite productive, especially in the spring. Focus your attention on local lakes and ponds, particularly those with submerged structure like brush piles, fallen trees, and docks. Lake Storey, a short drive from Princeton, is a popular choice. The pre-spawn period, when water temperatures are in the 60s, is prime time. Look for crappie staging near spawning areas in shallow bays and coves. A local tip: use a small jig suspended under a bobber near submerged timber. Minnows are also highly effective. Be prepared to move around to find the schools of crappie, as they can be concentrated in specific areas. The crappie in these waters tend to be a mix of black and white crappie, and size can vary, but there are opportunities to catch some decent slabs.