Crappie

Crappie fishing around Faribault can be quite productive, especially in the backwaters and sloughs of the Cannon River and the connected lakes. These areas provide ideal habitat for crappie, with plenty of submerged structure and vegetation for them to hide and feed. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie, as they move into shallow bays and channels to spawn. Look for them around submerged brush, docks, and weed beds. Small jigs tipped with minnows or crappie tubes are highly effective. Another great time is late ice. A practical tip: check water clarity before heading out. If the water is murky, use brighter colored jigs or add a scent attractant. The crappie in this area are known to school up tightly, so once you find one, you're likely to find more. Don't be afraid to move around and explore different areas until you locate a school. Cannon Lake is a popular spot, but exploring some of the smaller, less-known backwaters can often lead to bigger catches.