Just wondering if anyone has noticed the Crappie fishing picking up? We should see some results soon with the waters cooling. People tell me Baldwin lake has Crappie, funny though I have never (and I swear I have fished there the last 20 years off and on and never caught one) maybe this is the year...I'm hoping the Kaskaskia will be productive this Fall with them!

Crappie in Baldwin? Have not heard that one.. I think I saw it on the length limit sign once and kind of chuckled, but then I kind of had the same response when I read smallmouth on the sign too. (And they are in there)

You know where we have accidentally caught some bull crappie on crankbaits while bass fishing?.. The smaller lake inside the shooting complex. There are apparently good conditions for them there. It was just a little later in the year last season when we picked a few up.. Halfway down lake on the right side(not that it matters).. And that is from the ramp. (Sparta World Shooting Complex or whatever they call it)

I talked to a guy a few years ago who was buying minnows in the middle of winter and he said he was catching crappies on Baldwin. Supposedly they do bite well there in the winter. The rest of the time the water is too hot for crappies.

Hey Brian, are those lakes within the shooting complex open to the public or do I need a membership of some kind? I saw one of the lakes while driving around and being nosey one afternoon, but didnt check it out. Someone else told me they fish out there too. Both lakes have ramps?

Hey Brian, are those lakes within the shooting complex open to the public or do I need a membership of some kind? I saw one of the lakes while driving around and being nosey one afternoon, but didnt check it out. Someone else told me they fish out there too. Both lakes have ramps?

Yes, they are open to the public and no membership required. They're are lakes out there that are not allowed to be fished, but they are all posted so its easy to tell. Also, both lakes have boat ramps. I have fished out there and done pretty good. (largemouth).. They claim to have smallmouth, never caught one. The only downside is the limit. I believe its like 1 or 2 bass limit with a 16 inch size limit (dont quote me on this, but i know its terrible). Hope this helps

Both have nice ramps and open to the public. My preference is toward the little lake.. I have caught more fish there. I have a carpenter buddy Nick (he insists I call him Dick cause he is one) Nick swears the larger lake is the ticket. I will say this, while fishing the larger lake on an unusually clear water fall day last year I made out some excellent boulder structure all down the left side from the ramp down to the concrete coulvert.. I thought, if there are smallmouth they would be in this one. The larger lake is 10hp, the smaller I think is elect only, wink wink, nudge nudge..

If you go and just want action to get you started I would bass fish the smaller lake with crankbaits. Color depends on water color, just depends. The lake is mainly pea gravel bottom so you can really chunk and grind it quickly and safely. You may take some minnows to try for crappie too. Be forewarned, there are some good size bass in both lakes so bring a net if you can.

Oh, in the winter one or both have trout too.

Thanks guys for the info, I had to run to Sparta this afternoon so I drove by the shooting complex and checked out both lakes. They both look to be nice places to fish, may be there tomorrow instead of Baldwin lake....or both depending on the bite! Thanks again, nice to know of another place to fish so close to home.

If you see an idiot pulling a 14ft camo jon with a Cavalier give the hoen a beep and I will give a wave. Going to Baldwin/Kincaid/or Pyramid all day Sat, possibly more than one, and probably Baldwin first..

Oh, forgot the most important tip.. Hit "Lollies" in Sparta over by the Wal Mart across from Pizza Hut.. There are no better or cheaper down home eats within 30 miles in any direction.. I suggest the Philly Cheesesteak Omelet, or the Chichen Fried Steak, and the Biscuits and Gravy/ Hashbrowns are second to none.. I'm telling you man its cheap, good eats!!