Crappie

Crappie fishing near Wahkon, Minnesota, centers around Mille Lacs Lake, although smaller, connected lakes and backwaters also offer opportunities. Mille Lacs is a large, relatively shallow lake, and crappies tend to congregate around structure like weed beds, submerged timber, and rocky points. The best time to target them is during the pre-spawn in late spring (May-June) when they move into shallower waters to prepare for spawning. Look for them in bays with warmer water temperatures. Another productive time is during the fall (September-October) as crappies school up before winter. A local tip: Mille Lacs can get windy quickly, so always check the weather forecast before heading out. Also, consider using a slip bobber rig with a minnow or small jig to effectively target crappies suspended around structure. The crappie population in Mille Lacs can fluctuate, but generally, there are good numbers of fish, with some reaching impressive sizes.