Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Black crappie are one of America's most popular panfish, schooling in large numbers in clear, vegetation-filled lakes and slow rivers. Distinguished from white crappie by seven or eight dorsal spines (white crappie have six) and a more scattered spot pattern, black crappie prefer cleaner water with more submerged vegetation. They feed heavily on small fish and invertebrates, making them responsive to a variety of presentations.
Catching Tips
Small tube jigs and curly-tail grubs fished vertically in 8–15 feet of water near submerged brush piles are the most reliable crappie technique. In spring, fish shallow around wood and docks as crappie move in to spawn. Night fishing under lights in summer is extremely productive — crappie are drawn to the baitfish attracted by illumination.
World Record
No stocking events recorded yet for Black Crappie.