Crappie

If you're looking for slab crappie near Camillus, NY, you'll want to focus on the slower-moving sections of the Erie Canal and the numerous smaller ponds and lakes dotting the landscape. These waters offer the still or slow-moving, structure-rich environments crappie love. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them around submerged timber, docks, and weed beds in water less than 10 feet deep. Early morning and late evening are particularly productive. A small jig tipped with a minnow or a crappie nibble suspended under a bobber is tough to beat. Local tip: many anglers find success fishing the canal near the Camillus Erie Canal Park. The fish populations here tend to be cyclical, so be sure to check local fishing reports for the most up-to-date information on crappie size and abundance. Remember to practice catch and release to help maintain a healthy population for years to come.