“Randall Lake is one of a chain of seven lakes that is known for its quality panfish fishing, especially crappies,” said Southern Lake Michigan fisheries biologist Scott Hanshue. “During our 2000 survey we netted 216 crappies and 61 percent, or 130 of them, were considered ‘legal’ size. They ranged from 1 to 12 inches and represented 10 different age-classes.” Those are all signs of a very healthy crappie lake.
Randall Lake, at 513 acres, is actually composed of three separate basins collectively referred to as Randall Lake. The other two are North and Cemetery lakes. All feature clean, clear water, extensive weed growth and plenty of crappie forage. Fed by the Coldwater River, the chain is located in central Branch County near Coldwater.
Spring crappies on Randall Lake can be found along the copious points, weedlines and coves that characterize the lake. Most anglers use a run-and-gun approach covering a lot of water as thoroughly as possible until they make contact with an active school of fish. Many crappie addicts use small jigs and tubes that allow them to fish quickly without re-baiting all the time. Some of the best action is along the north side of Randall Lake where the spring sun warms the shallows beginning right after ice-out in March. Most of the specks will average 10 inches, but crappies topping 16 inches aren’t unheard of.
For information on lodging and bait shops in the area, contact the Branch County Tourism Bureau at 1-800-968-9333 or online at www.discover-michigan.com."


Read more: Michigan's Crappie Hotspots