Crappie

Crappie fishing near Silver Creek, NY, requires a bit of exploration to find the honey holes. You won't find them in the creek itself, but the smaller, quieter lakes and ponds in Chautauqua County are your best bet. Look for areas with submerged structure – fallen trees, brush piles, and weed beds are all crappie magnets. Spring is the peak season, as crappie move into shallow water to spawn. A simple jig tipped with a minnow or small plastic is usually all you need. As the water warms into summer, the crappie will often move deeper, so try fishing near drop-offs and around submerged timber. Some of the smaller lakes have limited access, so research boat launch availability beforehand. Local tip: Many of the ponds are relatively shallow, so use light line and small floats to avoid spooking the fish. Also, check local regulations regarding creel limits as they can vary from lake to lake.