Crappie

If you're after crappie in the Copenhagen, New York area, you'll find them in many of the smaller lakes and ponds dotting the landscape. These overlooked waters can hold surprisingly good populations of crappie, especially around submerged structure. Spring is the prime time to target crappie, as they move into the shallows to spawn. Look for areas with brush piles, fallen trees, or weed beds in relatively shallow water (4-8 feet). A small jig tipped with a minnow or a crappie nibble is a deadly combination. A local tip: try fishing under a bobber to keep your bait suspended at the right depth. Also, be patient and work the structure thoroughly, as crappie tend to school up. The crappie in this region are typically of decent size, with some reaching over a pound. Don't overlook smaller, less-publicized ponds, as these often hold the biggest fish due to less fishing pressure.