Crappies??

Hi Gang. I’m relatively new to Wisconsin lake fishing since I just recently moved to Eleva from Inver Grove Heights, MN.
I mainly fish for walleyes, but my wife has recently asked me to take her crappie fishing. Not being one to turn down an invitation to share the boat with my sweetie, I told her I’d see what I could find out. Any help you guys and gals can give would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to send me a PM if you don’t want to publically divulge your favorite crappie spot.

Thanks,
Mike

C’mon gang….Please???!!!
Just a hint or 2 will really help.

Thanks,
Mike

Lake Wissota would be a good lake to start, once the lake warms up a bit I would fish the yellow river area from the state park boat landing up towards the river, just look for wood in the water or the drop offs next to wood now if you want to catch them pre spawn also the mouth of the river all the way from the bridge up and down will be prime for walleye now, the lake is way to cold now but should heat up nicely in a few weeks if you like to catch them shallow, also around the NSP island and the bay behind it. If you go out on the main lake from the yellow river it will be on your left hand side after you cross over a huge flat and find deep water again you will see the island on your left, once again look for wood. there are some nice cribs in between the NSP island and the finger point that is closest to it, just search around with your locater, this is a real good spot all summer long for crappie and walleyes, also you should be able to do good for walleyes there after the opener. This is a good spot to ambush musky. I guess what I’m trying to say is this is a good spot If you buy a map of the lake in Hotspots form you will know exactly were I’m talking about. Slip bobbers work great around these crib areas, they are in about 20′ of water. Stilson creek also will be hot once the water warms up some, the bridge that crosses into Stilson creek can be very hot for crappies, if guys are tied to the bridge you know they are hammering large crappies. Just sit and watch for a couple minutes! Good luck if you go give us a report, I hope to get out there next weekend. The water is a little cold right now, we need some warmth for the crappies to get going. Also it should be noted there are some huge crappies in this lake.

I forgot to tell you this area around the NSP island can get very busy with boat traffic, I’d try it on the weekdays. There is an area to land your boat and swim its a very popular area.

Thanks Bigpike! If you’re ever looking for a fishing partner, give me a holler.

Will do! Crappies on Wissota are in about 12′ and moving up. The size being caught are over 1# on average (are there any small crappies in Wissota?) A little more warm weather and this lake will light up like a Christmas tree!

Crossin Eyes,

A couple of other places to try for crappies that aren’t too far away for you are the Holcomb flowage and Chain and Island Lake up Hwy 40 north of Bloomer.

I know the Lake Holcomb FFA group has been putting fish cribs in the flowage and the DNR has been doing the same on the Island lake chain.

I have caught nice catches of crappie and panfish in the Island chain.

Thanks for the tip Cowpoke. I’m going to give it a try this weekend. I can’t wait!