Crappie

Crappie anglers visiting Johnson, Minnesota, should focus their efforts on the area's many smaller lakes and reservoirs. While not a renowned crappie hotspot, these waters hold decent populations, especially in areas with submerged structure like brush piles and fallen trees. Look for crappies suspended near these structures, especially during the pre-spawn period in spring and again in the fall as they fatten up for winter. The prime time for crappie fishing near Johnson is during the spring spawn (late April to early June) and again in the fall (September-October). During the spawn, focus on shallow bays and backwaters. In the fall, look for them to move deeper, relating to structure. A small jig tipped with a minnow or plastic grub is a go-to presentation. Be aware that some smaller lakes may have limited access, so research public access points beforehand. The crappie here typically aren't huge, but offer consistent action for those willing to explore.