Crappie

If you're looking for some excellent crappie fishing in central Illinois, Toluca offers some under-the-radar opportunities. While not a destination fishery, the local lakes and ponds, and even sections of the Illinois River, can hold surprisingly good populations of crappie. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them around submerged timber, brush piles, and weed beds in shallow coves. A simple jig and bobber rig with a minnow or small plastic trailer is tough to beat. Fall is another good time as the fish feed heavily before winter. A local tip: check with the Toluca City Hall for information on access to any city-owned ponds, as these can sometimes offer secluded and productive fishing. Also, be aware that the Illinois River can be subject to fluctuating water levels, so check conditions before you go. The crappie in this region tend to run on the smaller side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers, providing plenty of action.