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Crappie

Pomoxis spp.

🏞️ Freshwater

Excellent table fare — schools in large numbers, very fun to catch

📅 When to Fish

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○ Low◐ Fair● Good★ Prime

Habitat

Suspended near structure in 5-15 feet of water. Brush piles, bridge pilings, standing timber in reservoirs.

Best Season

Spring spawn (March-May).

Best Times

Dawn and dusk year-round.

Record

5 lbs 3 oz

Ideal Water Temp

58–75°F

Top Lures & Baits

•Small tubes (1.5-2 inch)
•Curly tail grubs on light jig heads
•Small minnows under a bobber

🔍 Identification

Deep, slab-sided body. Large mouth, dorsal fin far back on body. Black crappie has random black spots; white crappie has vertical bars. Both have iridescent silver-green sides.

🍽️ Eating Quality

Outstanding — considered the finest-eating panfish. Delicate, white, sweet flesh.

📍 Where to Find It

Nationwide — highly popular in Midwest, South, and Great Plains states

🎣 Beginner Tip

Find a bridge with pilings. Drop a small jig straight down along the piling. Crappie suspend at a consistent depth.