Crappie

If you're looking for slab crappie in Western New York, Tonawanda is a great place to start. The Erie Canal is a local hotspot, offering plenty of structure like docks, bridge pilings, and weed beds that crappie love to congregate around. Ellicott Creek, which feeds into the Niagara River, also holds good populations. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for slightly warmer, calmer waters in early to mid-May. Fall can also be productive as they fatten up before winter. A small jig tipped with a minnow or a tube bait under a float is a classic and effective presentation. For canal access, check out the public access points along Tonawanda Rails to Trails. Be aware that boat traffic can pick up in the summer months on the canal, so early mornings or weekdays are your best bet for a quieter experience. The crappie here tend to run on the smaller side, but there are enough quality fish to make it worthwhile.