Crappie

Looking to tangle with some crappie near Wenona, Illinois? You're in luck! This region boasts several smaller lakes and ponds, as well as backwaters connected to the Illinois River, which can hold surprisingly good populations of these tasty panfish. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Focus on areas with submerged timber, brush piles, or lily pads. A small jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm fished under a bobber is a classic and effective tactic. Fall can also be productive as crappie school up before winter. A local tip: check out some of the smaller, less-publicized ponds – they often receive less fishing pressure. Be sure to consult the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for specific regulations and access points. Many crappie in this area run on the smaller side, but with persistence, you can find some real slabs!