For serious crappie anglers, chasing papermouths isn't just something you do -- it's what you live for. And for those whose passion borders on obsession, you know the value of finding an incredible lake that somehow got bypassed by the masses of anglers.

Interested in getting in on the ground level of some of the Prairie State's best sleeper papermouth spots? Then take note of the following waters. All have been overlooked by John Q. Angler, and great numbers of crappies are just waiting for you to wet a line.

KANKAKEE RIVER
Better known for smallmouth bass, the Kankakee River in Kankakee, Will and Grundy counties hides a considerable crappie fishery.

Most papermouths are pretty nice, averaging around 10 to 12 inches, and 14- to 16-inch fish are not uncommon. Bruisers up to 2 pounds are not unheard of. Catches of 20 or more crappies are frequently reported along the river.

Some of the most productive water can be found from the Indiana state line downstream to the town of Momence, Six Mile Pool from Aroma Park to the City of Kankakee, Custer Park in Will County and where the Kankakee meets the Des Plaines River to form the Illinois River. In all areas, crappies concentrate around brush, fallen trees and weed patches. Minnows fished below slip-bobbers take most crappies, but jigs and tubes can also be productive.

Boat launches are available at State Line Road, Momence, Aroma Park, Kankakee, Kankakee River State Park and Des Plaines SFWA. Good bank-fishing is available in Des Plaines SFWA. There is no size or creel limit. For more information, contact Kankakee River State Park at (815) 933-1383, or Des Plains SFWA at (815) 423-5326. For travel and lodging information, contact the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce at (815) 933-7721.

PEABODY RIVER/KING SFWA
Serious crappie anglers will also want to consider the montage of reclaimed St. Clair County strip mines in Peabody River SFWA. According to biologist Fred Cronin, this place is worth a look.

"Our 2004 survey data shows good numbers of crappies, with 54 percent of the population over 9 inches, and 35 percent over 10 inches," said Cronin. "Additionally, many fish over 12 inches were collected in a supplemental spring survey."

Inside the facility, Beaver Lake at 332 acres and Eagle Lake at 101 acres are the only waters where anglers can launch a boat.

"Eagle Lake is likely the best," said Cronin. "And Beaver Lake survey data shows a decent number of fish, with 74 percent of the fish collected over 9 inches."

In addition, there are numerous small back lakes in Peabody that few anglers bother to fish due to the difficulty of access. For those willing to walk-in a small boat or canoe, an excellent and somewhat uncontested crappie population awaits.

Crappies here tend to relate well to shoreline cover such as stumps, fallen trees and beaver lodges. Several brushpile fish structures have been placed by the park staff in various lakes, and for anglers who keep a keen eye on their electronics, these areas harbor good numbers of papermouths. Minnows and jigs account for most crappies.

Peabody River/King SFWA, with 534 acres of fishable water, is located just south of New Athens. There is a 9-inch 25-fish per day limit on all crappies. Eagle and Beaver lakes maintain a 10-horsepower restriction, and the smaller lakes are electric motor- or bank-fishing only. For more information, call (618) 785-2555. For travel and lodging information, call (618) 282-3505.

LAKE DAWSON
Overshadowed by its McLean County crappie contemporary Evergreen Lake, Lake Dawson in Moraine View State Park is a hot prospect that few papermouth enthusiasts know about.