Crappie

For crappie anglers near Bayport, Minnesota, the backwaters and sloughs connected to the St. Croix River are the places to be. These areas offer the shallow, weedy habitat that crappies love. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is the absolute best time to target them. Look for them near submerged brush, docks, and lily pads in shallow water. Small jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are highly effective. As the water warms in summer, crappies often move into deeper water near structure. Fall can also be productive as they feed heavily before winter. A local tip is to use a slip bobber rig to present your bait at the right depth. The crappies in this area can be quite finicky, so experiment with different colors and presentations until you find what works. Be mindful of the river current and adjust your presentation accordingly. The St. Croix River offers several public access points, but be prepared for some boat traffic, especially on weekends.