Crappie

If you're looking for crappie near Columbia Heights, Minnesota, you'll want to explore the smaller lakes and backwaters connected to the Mississippi River. While not a crappie mecca, there are still good opportunities to be found. Look for crappie in areas with submerged structure, such as fallen trees, brush piles, and docks, particularly in lakes like Long Lake or Locke Lake. Spring and fall are the best times to target crappie. In the spring, they move into shallow bays to spawn, making them easier to locate. In the fall, they school up in deeper water near structure. A local tip is to use a slip bobber rig with a small jig or minnow, fishing around submerged cover. Many lakes offer public access, but a small boat or kayak will allow you to reach more secluded and productive spots. The crappie in this area tend to be on the smaller side, but you can still find some slabs if you put in the time.