Crappie

Crappie fishing around Lexington, Minnesota, can be quite rewarding, especially if you know where to look. Several smaller lakes in the vicinity hold decent populations of these panfish. While specific lake names are best kept close to the vest, focusing on lakes with abundant submerged vegetation and structure is a good starting point. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is undoubtedly the best time. Look for crappies in shallow bays and near docks, where they congregate to spawn. Small jigs tipped with minnows or wax worms are deadly. Another productive period is late summer and early fall, when crappies school up near deeper weed edges. Try using a slip bobber rig to suspend your bait just above the weeds. Remember to check local regulations regarding crappie limits and size restrictions. A local tip: many of the smaller lakes lack developed boat ramps, so a canoe or kayak can be a major advantage for accessing prime crappie spots.