Crappie

Crappie fishing around Gouverneur, NY, can be quite productive, especially in the numerous lakes and ponds scattered throughout St. Lawrence County. Black Lake, in particular, is a local hotspot known for its healthy crappie population. Targeting crappie is best during the pre-spawn period in the spring (late April to early June) when they move into shallow bays and coves to prepare for spawning. You can also find them in the fall as they school up before winter. A good strategy is to use small jigs or minnows under a bobber near submerged structure like fallen trees or weed beds. Many of the lakes have public boat launches, but be aware that some may have limited parking. Crappie in this area tend to be of good size, and a limit catch is often attainable with the right techniques and conditions. Remember to check the local regulations for creel limits and size restrictions before you go.