Crappie

Crappie fishing in Saranac Lake might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but several of the area's smaller, shallower lakes and ponds hold surprisingly good populations. Look to Lake Flower, Oseetah Lake, and some of the backwaters off the Saranac River. Spring, particularly May and early June, is prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation, docks, and fallen trees. Small jigs tipped with live minnows or plastic trailers are highly effective under a bobber or slow retrieved. A practical tip: Many of these smaller lakes have limited boat access; consider using a kayak or canoe to reach the best fishing spots. The crappie in these Adirondack waters tend to be a bit smaller than in southern fisheries, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and willingness to bite. Don't overlook this often-overlooked species in the Saranac Lake region.