Crappie

Crappie enthusiasts will find Ironton, Minnesota, an appealing destination. The mine pit lakes scattered throughout the Cuyuna Range are surprisingly productive crappie fisheries. These deep, clear lakes offer a different crappie fishing experience than the typical shallow, stained-water lakes. Spring, as the water warms, is the prime time. Look for crappies staging near submerged timber or weed beds in the shallower bays. Small jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are highly effective. Fall is also a good time to target crappies as they school up before winter. Because the water is so clear, down imaging or side imaging sonar can be a game changer for locating these schools. A local tip: many of the smaller, less-known mine pit lakes can hold surprisingly large crappies. Don't be afraid to explore! Public access varies, so research beforehand. Also, the crappies in these lakes tend to be a bit deeper than in other areas, so be prepared to fish accordingly.