Crappie

Crappie fishing around Rockford, Illinois, can be rewarding, particularly in the backwaters and sloughs of the Rock River and in local lakes like Lake Summerset. Spring is undoubtedly the best time, as crappie congregate in shallow water to spawn. Look for them near submerged timber, brush piles, and docks. Small jigs tipped with minnows are a classic presentation. As the water warms in the summer, crappie will move to deeper water, often suspending near structure. Use your electronics to locate these schools. Fall can also be a good time to target crappie as they feed heavily before winter. Lake Summerset offers good access with boat ramps and shoreline fishing opportunities. A local tip: Pay attention to water temperature. Crappie tend to be most active when the water temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.