Crappie

Crappie fishing near Albany, Minnesota, can be quite productive if you know where to look. The many smaller lakes and ponds in the area are often teeming with crappie, particularly around submerged structure and weed beds. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into shallow water to spawn. Look for areas with brush piles, fallen trees, or docks in relatively shallow water (4-8 feet). Small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms are highly effective. Another productive time is late fall, as crappie school up near deeper structure before winter. A local tip is to use a slip bobber to present your bait at the correct depth, especially when fishing around submerged timber. Also, be mindful of the wind; crappie often congregate on the windward side of a lake or pond. The crappie in this region are known for their good size and abundance, making for some exciting fishing.