Crappie

Crappie fishing around Lowville, NY, centers on the smaller lakes, ponds, and backwaters connected to the Black River. These often-overlooked waters can hold surprisingly good populations of crappie, especially in areas with abundant submerged structure. Spring is the prime time to target crappie as they move shallow to spawn, but a second bite can also occur in the fall as they fatten up for winter. Look for them near downed trees, brush piles, and docks. Try fishing with small jigs or minnows suspended under a bobber. A local tip: The crappie in this area tend to be a bit smaller than in some other regions, so downsize your presentation accordingly. Also, be aware of the presence of northern pike, which can sometimes be caught as bycatch when targeting crappie. Be sure to use a light wire leader if pike are prevalent in the area you're fishing.