Crappie

If you're looking for crappie action near Lilydale, Minnesota, the backwaters and connected lakes of the Mississippi River are a great place to start. These areas offer the shallow, weedy habitat that crappies love. Spring is the prime time, as the crappies move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them around submerged timber, docks, and weed beds. A local tip is to focus on areas with dark water, as these areas tend to warm up faster in the spring. During the summer, crappies will move into deeper water, so you'll need to fish accordingly. Small jigs, minnows, and crappie rigs are all effective baits. The crappie population in this area is generally healthy, and you can often find good numbers of fish. However, be aware of the size limits and regulations, as they can vary depending on the specific body of water. Look to the backwaters of Pickerel Lake or the sloughs off the main channel for consistent action.