Crappie

Crappie fishing around Meadville, PA, can be quite rewarding if you know where to go. Woodcock Creek Lake is a local favorite for targeting these tasty panfish. The lake's numerous submerged trees and brush piles provide excellent habitat for crappie to congregate. Spring is the peak season, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Focus your efforts around submerged structure in 5-10 feet of water. Small jigs tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles are highly effective. A slip bobber rig is ideal for presenting your bait at the desired depth. As the water warms in the summer, the crappie tend to move deeper, so adjust your tactics accordingly. Local tip: Pay attention to the water clarity; if it's murky, use brighter colored jigs. Access to Woodcock Creek Lake is available via a public boat launch. The crappie in Woodcock Creek Lake are generally a good size, with many fish reaching over 10 inches. Remember to check the PFBC regulations for creel limits before you head out.