Crappie
Pomoxis spp.
Record Weight
5 lbs 3 oz
Enid Dam, MS
Average Size
0.5-1.5 lbs
Preferred Temp
55°-70°F
Lifespan
3-8 years
Fight Rating
2/5
Taste Rating
5/5
Identification
White crappie have 5-6 dorsal spines and vertical dark bars on their silvery-green sides. Black crappie have 7-8 dorsal spines and irregular dark speckles scattered across their body rather than vertical bars. Both species have deeply compressed (flat) bodies, large mouths relative to their size, and prominent dorsal and anal fins. Black crappie tend to be slightly darker overall and prefer clearer water, while white crappie tolerate more turbid conditions. Both have thin, papery mouths that tear easily, hence the nickname "papermouths."
Habitat & Behavior
Crappie are found in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-moving rivers across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, with introductions throughout the West. They relate to submerged structure including brush piles, standing timber, fallen trees, docks, stake beds, and bridge pilings. Black crappie prefer clearer water with more vegetation, while white crappie tolerate stained and turbid water. Both species are commonly found at depths of 5-25 feet outside of the spawn.
Crappie are schooling fish that travel and feed in groups, often suspending at a specific depth over structure. They feed most actively during low-light conditions, particularly at dawn, dusk, and on overcast days. During spring, they move shallow to spawn in water 1-6 feet deep around wood, brush, and vegetation. After the spawn, they retreat to deeper brush piles, channel ledges, and other submerged structure. Crappie are known for feeding on small baitfish and minnows by ambushing them from cover.
Best Techniques
Show setup details
Not watching your line on the fall — most jig bites feel like a slight "tick" or the line just stops sinking.
Show setup details
Trolling too fast — use GPS speed (not speedometer) and slow down 0.2 mph at a time until you find the bite.
Best Baits & Lures
- Live minnows (fathead or shiner)
- 1/16 oz jig with curly-tail grub (chartreuse)
- Bobby Garland Baby Shad (monkey milk)
- Small tube jig (white/chartreuse)
- Marabou jig (1/32 oz)
- Road Runner underspin (chartreuse/white)
- Crappie Magnet (various colors)
- Small hair jig tipped with wax worm
Recommended Gear
Seasonal Patterns
SpringSpring Fishing
Spring is the premier season for crappie fishing. As water temperatures reach 55-65F, crappie move from deep winter haunts into shallow water to spawn. They stage on secondary points and channel edges before moving to shoreline brush, laydowns, and docks in 1-6 feet of water. This is the easiest time to catch crappie, as they are shallow, concentrated, and aggressive.
SummerSummer Fishing
After the spawn, crappie move to deeper structure and become more challenging to locate. They suspend over brush piles, channel ledges, and standing timber in 15-25 feet of water. Electronics are essential for finding schools. Spider rigging with multiple poles is a popular technique for covering water and finding the right depth. Night fishing under lights is very productive in summer.
FallFall Fishing
Fall crappie begin to feed aggressively as water temperatures cool into the 60s. They move from deep summer haunts toward shallower structure following baitfish. Creek channels and secondary points with brush are key areas. Minnows and small jigs fished around submerged wood are most effective. This is often an overlooked but highly productive season for quality crappie.
WinterWinter Fishing
Winter crappie group tightly in deep water, often stacking up on specific brush piles or channel bends in 20-35 feet. They can be caught but require precise presentations at exact depths. Slow-falling jigs tipped with minnows fished vertically over known structure are most effective. In northern states, crappie are one of the most popular ice-fishing targets.
State Records
| State | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4 lbs 4 oz | 1985 | Weiss Lake |
| Arkansas | 5 lbs 1 oz | 2019 | Lake Poinsett |
| California | 4 lbs 1 oz | 1975 | New Hogan Reservoir |
| Delaware | 4 lbs 2 oz | 2014 | Becks Pond |
| Georgia | 4 lbs 4 oz | 1971 | Lake Blackshear |
| Illinois | 4 lbs 8 oz | 1976 | Kinkaid Lake |
| Indiana | 4 lbs 8 oz | 2000 | Turtle Creek Reservoir |
| Iowa | 4 lbs 9 oz | 1981 | Green Castle Lake |
| Kansas | 4 lbs 10 oz | 1964 | Private Lake |
| Kentucky | 4 lbs 5 oz | 1969 | Private Lake |
| Louisiana | 3 lbs 14 oz | 2000 | Toledo Bend |
| Maryland | 4 lbs 4 oz | 1980 | Deep Creek Lake |
| Minnesota | 3 lbs 15 oz | 1940 | Vermilion River |
| Mississippi | 4 lbs 4 oz | 1991 | Arkabutla Lake |
| Missouri | 5 lbs | 1969 | Private Pond |
| Nebraska | 4 lbs 8 oz | 2004 | Private Pond |
| Nevada | 3 lbs 8 oz | 1995 | Lahontan Reservoir |
| New Hampshire | 3 lbs 6 oz | 1981 | Spofford Lake |
| New Jersey | 3 lbs 12 oz | 1996 | Pompton Lake |
| New Mexico | 3 lbs 10 oz | 1988 | Elephant Butte Lake |
| North Carolina | 4 lbs 15 oz | 1980 | Asheboro City Lake |
| Ohio | 4 lbs 8 oz | 2018 | Private Pond |
| Oklahoma | 4 lbs 14 oz | 1990 | Lake Fuqua |
| South Carolina | 5 lbs 1 oz | 1949 | Lake Murray |
| South Dakota | 3 lbs 10 oz | 2000 | Lake Poinsett |
| Tennessee | 4 lbs 4 oz | 1985 | Brown Creek Lake |
| Texas | 3 lbs 10 oz | 2015 | Private Lake |
| West Virginia | 4 lbs 1 oz | 2008 | Burnsville Lake |
| Wisconsin | 4 lbs 8 oz | 1997 | Lac Du Flambeau Chain |
Tips & Fun Facts
- Crappie are called "papermouths" because their thin, membranous mouth tears easily, which is why a slow, steady rod lift is better than a hard hookset.
- A single female crappie can produce 20,000 to 60,000 eggs in a single spawn, leading to population booms and busts that affect fish size.
- The name "crappie" comes from the Canadian French word "crapet," which refers to various sunfish species.
- Crappie have some of the best night vision of any freshwater fish, which is why they are so effective at feeding in low-light conditions and why night fishing under lights is so productive.
- White crappie and black crappie can hybridize, producing fish with intermediate characteristics that can be difficult to identify.