Crappie

Westfield, NY, offers some decent crappie fishing opportunities, primarily in the smaller lakes and ponds dotted around Chautauqua County, as well as the protected harbors along Lake Erie. While Lake Erie itself is not a prime crappie destination, the backwaters and marinas can hold some surprisingly good populations. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target crappie here, as they move into the shallows to spawn. Look for them in areas with submerged vegetation, brush piles, and docks. A local tip for Westfield crappie anglers: Many of the smaller lakes are accessible by car or a short walk. Use a slip bobber rig with a small jig or minnow to effectively target crappie around structure. The crappie in these smaller bodies of water can often be quite concentrated, so once you find them, you can typically catch several in the same area. Remember to check local regulations regarding size and creel limits, which may vary between different bodies of water.