Crappie

If you're after slab-sized crappie in upstate New York, Red Creek offers some excellent opportunities. The creek itself, along with nearby ponds and backwaters connected to Lake Ontario, hold healthy populations of these panfish. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Focus on areas with submerged timber, brush piles, and weed edges. A small jig tipped with a minnow or crappie nibble suspended under a bobber is a classic and effective presentation. As the water warms into summer, crappie tend to move deeper, so adjust your tactics accordingly. Local tip: Check water levels before you head out, as heavy rains can impact water clarity and fishing conditions. Access to Red Creek is available at several road crossings, offering opportunities for both bank fishing and launching small boats or kayaks. Look for public access points along Route 104 and side roads that parallel the creek. The crappie in this region are known for their good size, so be prepared for some exciting action!