Crappie

Crappie fishing around Watertown can be surprisingly good, especially in the backwaters and slower-moving sections of the Black River and in some of the smaller lakes and ponds in the surrounding area. Look for areas with submerged timber, weed beds, and docks. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into shallow water to spawn. Small jigs tipped with minnows or plastic trailers are deadly. Try fishing under a bobber to keep your bait at the right depth. A great access point is the Black River near Carthage, where there are several boat launches and shoreline fishing opportunities. Local tip: Crappie tend to school tightly, so if you catch one, stay put – there are likely more nearby. While not known for trophy-sized crappie, the Watertown area offers a consistent fishery with plenty of pan-sized fish to fill a stringer.