Crappie

If you're after crappie in Riverside, New York, head to the Peconic River or some of the smaller, quieter ponds in the area. These waters offer the shallow, weedy habitat that crappie love. Spring, particularly during the pre-spawn period, is the absolute best time to target them, as they congregate in the shallows to spawn. Look for crappie around submerged structure like fallen trees, docks, and weed edges. A local tip: use a small jig suspended under a bobber near these structures. Minnows are also a highly effective bait. Be aware that some areas may have restrictions on motorboat use, so check local regulations before heading out. The crappie in this region tend to be good sized, with many fish exceeding 10 inches. Focus on areas with stained water or heavy cover, as these areas tend to hold the largest crappie.