Crappie

If you're chasing crappie near Elrosa, Minnesota, focus on the area's smaller, less-pressured lakes. These lakes often have healthy crappie populations that don't see the same fishing pressure as larger, more popular destinations. Spring, particularly pre-spawn and spawn (late April-May), is the best time to target them, as they congregate in shallower waters near vegetation. Look for submerged timber, brush piles, and weed edges in 6-10 feet of water. Minnows under a bobber are a classic and effective presentation, but small jigs can also be very productive. Be aware that some of these smaller lakes can be difficult to access; research public access points beforehand and consider using a smaller boat or even a kayak for easier maneuverability. The crappie tend to run smaller here than in some of the larger, more well-known crappie lakes, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers, providing plenty of action.