Crappie

Crappie fishing near Madisonville is best in the calmer waters of the bayous and backwaters feeding into Lake Pontchartrain. These areas, often choked with vegetation, provide ideal habitat for crappie to spawn and feed. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Target areas near submerged trees, brush piles, and docks with small jigs or minnows suspended under a bobber. A local tip: try fishing near the Highway 22 bridge over the Tchefuncte River; the pilings often hold schools of crappie. Several private marinas and public boat launches offer access to these prime crappie fishing spots. The crappie in this region are often a mix of black and white crappie, and can reach impressive sizes, especially in years with favorable water conditions.