Crappie

If you're chasing slab crappies in northern Minnesota, Moose Lake is a great place to start. The lake itself, Moose Lake, is the obvious choice, but don't overlook nearby smaller lakes and flowages connected to the Moose Horn River. These often hold overlooked populations of crappie, especially during pre-spawn. Spring is prime time, right after ice-out when the crappies move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them in bays with dark bottoms that warm up quickly. A local tip: the public access on the southwest side of Moose Lake provides good access to potential spawning areas. Early morning and late evening are generally best. The crappies in Moose Lake tend to run on the larger side compared to some other Minnesota lakes, so be prepared for some good-sized fish. Summer can also be productive, but you'll need to target deeper weed edges and structure.