Artificially introduced structure is also a huge bonus. The DNR has put in a lot of structure, with the most recent additions being just this past winter. There are three or four places where these fish attractors are easy to locate. Anglers should look for four fence posts sticking up out of the water. These are fertilizer platforms. Fish attractors are located about 12 to 15 feet out in front of these platforms.

Beginning in April and continuing into May is typically spawning time for crappies in Murphysboro. A great location during the spawn is the area near the Water Lily Campground. The area is impossible to miss because it is about an acre in size and covered in aquatic vegetation. The name of the campground is actually a misnomer because although the vegetation looks like giant lily pads and is often called water lilies, they are actually lotus plants.

Contact the Lake Murphysboro State Park at (618) 684-2867. The phone number for the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce is (618) 684-6421, and their Web address is www.murphysboro.com.

SHABBONA LAKE
Anglers should find some excellent crappie fishing at De Kalb County's Shabbona Lake this spring.

DNR biologist Ken Clodfelter said sampling from Shabbona in the spring of 2006 showed a large year-class of crappies moving up into the 9-inch and above range this year. There also was a big year-class of papermouths in the sampling in the 7 1/2- to 9-inch range, and their condition was very good.

This 319-acre lake is one of our state's newer lakes because it was built in the 1970s. It warms a little slower than some lakes, so the spawn generally runs a little later in April and the first part of May. Spawning activity can be scattered around the lake, but anglers can usually find crappies by concentrating on the woody structure and aquatic vegetation.

There is a long, shallow arm on the northwest side of the lake, and it is the only real finger coming into the lake. There is some good flooded timber in that area. There is more flooded timber about 200 to 300 yards upstream from the dam. These two areas are typically where most local anglers concentrate their spring slab angling efforts.

Aquatic vegetation can also be a good secondary location here. There are areas of coontail, pondweed and milfoil. In fact, the milfoil became a problem, but the DNR has been treating it to reduce its presence somewhat.

The best source of information on Shabbona is at the concession located at the Shabbona State Park. The phone number there is (815) 824-2106. Another great source of info is from Shabbona's Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental, which can be reached at (815) 824-2581. For lodging information, call the De Kalb County Chamber of Commerce at (815) 756-6306, or go the Web site.