Crappie

Crappie fishing near Rock Falls centers around the Rock River and its associated backwaters, as well as some of the smaller lakes and ponds in the area. These waters offer ample cover for crappie in the form of submerged timber, weed beds, and brush piles. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into shallow areas to spawn. Look for them near docks, fallen trees, and other structure in 5-10 feet of water. Small jigs and minnows are the go-to baits. A local tip: try fishing near the Rt 30 bridge on the Rock River, where there's often good structure and current breaks that attract crappie. Many anglers have success spider rigging multiple poles. The crappie population in these waters can fluctuate, so check local fishing reports for the latest information. Remember to handle crappie gently and release smaller fish to help maintain a healthy population.