Crappie abound in local lakes

Easy to catch. Good to eat.

That is the state of Ohio’s definition of crappies.

“Crappies are one of Ohio’s easiest fish to catch and are great for trips intended to get kids hooked on fishing,” the Department of Natural Resources said. “Common in many of Ohio’s lakes, black and white crappies naturally reproduce in most of these waters. Count on crappies for fast action using basic techniques and equipment, particularly during spring. They are also as good to eat as they can be to catch and are a long-standing favorite for the table.”

In the summer, it’s best to fish deep for crappie, around around 15–20 feet, the state said.

The most common bait are minnows.

“All you need for this technique are small hooks (sizes 4, 6 or 8), small split shot weights and a bobber,” the state said.

Other baits that work well are 1/16 to 1/8 ounce jigs with feathers, synthetic hair, plastic curly tails or tube bodies.

“Some people use long crappie poles or cane poles (9–14 feet) to place jigs and minnows between submerged tree limbs,” the state said.

During summer nights, crappie are known to move up to shallower depths to feed.

By fall, as the water turns cooler, they continue the trend toward shallow water.

“Some fish can be found around fallen trees and other woody structure,” the state said. “Cover and baitfish are key to locating schools of crappie.”

If you know crappie are in the area but they aren’t biting, try changing the color of your jig.

One place in Knox County to fish for crappie is the Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area, 1.5 miles northwest of Fredericktown and five miles northeast of Chesterville.

It includes approximately 1,113 acres run by the state’s Division of Wildlife and includes a 160-acre lake and a 1.5-acre pond.

In addition to crappie, there are largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and bullhead.

“Public-use facilities are provided and managed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers on the west side of the lake,” the state said. “They include camping and picnic grounds, latrines, a well and a boat launching.”

Another spot is Mohican State Park, on State Route 3 in Loudonville. It has largemouth bass, bluegill and white crappie in streams and at Pleasant Hill Lake.