Black Crappie Fishing Guide

The black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) is the more clear-water adapted of the two crappie species, favoring cleaner, deeper water than the white crappie. Black crappie are identified by irregular black spots covering the sides (versus the more regular vertical bars of white crappie) and seven to eight dorsal spines (white crappie has five to six). They form large schools that suspend at specific depths, making locating the right depth the key to consistent crappie fishing — anglers use subtle depth adjustments of small jigs to find where fish are holding. Black crappie reach sexual maturity quickly and populations can boom and bust — in good years, dominant year classes produce large numbers of small fish that compete intensely for food. Deep, brush-piled docks and submerged timber are classic black crappie magnets.

Black Crappie is a freshwater species.

Habitat

Clear-to-slightly-stained lakes and large rivers with hard bottom and aquatic vegetation throughout the eastern US and Great Plains; widely introduced in the West. More sensitive to turbidity and siltation than white crappie; tends to inhabit deeper water and cleaner substrate.

Diet

Small fish (particularly shad, shiners, and juvenile sunfish) and aquatic invertebrates; crappie are more piscivorous than most sunfish and prey heavily on small fish once they exceed 8 inches. Small tube jigs and live minnows worked at the depth where fish are suspended are the most effective presentations.

Fishing Techniques

• Jig under a float (spider rigging)
• Minnows on small jig heads
• Vertical jigging around structure
• Fly fishing with small streamers
• Trolling small crankbaits

Best Seasons

Spring, Fall, Winter

Size & Records

Average weight: 0.75 lbs. World record: 5 lbs (Westwego Canal, Louisiana, USA (2006)).