Black Crappie
(Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
Other names: Crappie, white perch, perch, sac-a-lait, papermouth, slab, speckled perch, speck
White Crappie
(Pomoxis annularis)
Other names: crappie, white perch, perch, sac-a-lait, papermouth, slab
Black and white crappie are very similar fish that are often found schooling together. They are found pretty much everywhere in the country, with black crappie being more common in the northern US and Canada than white crappie. Though many people are unable to tell the difference between the two even when catching them together, it is fairly easy for the trained eye. Both types have the same colors, but white crappie have vertical bars on their sides and black crappie have just random blotches.
The average size of crappie is between one half and one pound, though they are known to grow much larger. Crappie are prolific breeders that will overpopulate small bodies of water very quickly if the population is not controlled. In light of this, bag limits are typically quite generous; making this is a very popular fish for serious recreational anglers and meat hunters alike.
Crappie have delicious, flaky, white flesh that has earned them the reputation among many as the finest tasting fish that swims in freshwater. The Cajun name for crappie in South Louisiana, "sac-a-lait," literally translated as "sack of milk," is a testament to the fine white meat of the crappie.
In the winter, crappie are generally found near main channel break lines as they are actively following the schools of shad or other available baitfish. As the water warms in the spring, they move into shallower water, being especially fond of areas with both rock and brush, where they prefer to spawn. As summer approaches they back off into slightly deeper water near their spawning grounds where they will remain until late summer pushes them to flooded timber and deep brushpiles.
For big open lakes and reservoirs, anglers commonly employ a method called "spider rigging" to search for crappie. Just as it sounds, this method involves spreading anywhere from four to 12 rods across the bow of the boat and trolling slowly for crappie in likely areas. When fishing with minnows, anglers spend much of their time tying replacement rigs as many are lost throughout the day; some anglers purchase pre-tied rigs, like the Lindy Spider and Flicker Rigs. At times, crappie fishermen will spider rig with jigs or even crankbaits with snap weights.
When crappie are spawning and suspended over structure, slow-trolling with tight-lines and jigs is a popular method that takes many fish. The large mouth of a crappie allows anglers to use jigs as big as 1/4 oz, so there is a lot of variety possible. Some of the top anglers find much of their success while partnering the X-Change Jig System with large Lindy Fuzz-E-Grubs or YUM Beavertails. When fish are on the beds, these jigs are often suspended with a Crappie Cork from Thill Premium Floats.
Bank fishermen often find success with a simple Aberdeen hook and a crappie minnow suspended under a Crappie Cork or a variety of other corks. Catching crappie is simple enough for everyone to get involved; though catching big ones consistently takes some experimenting with different methods and lures.
Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
Average spawning water temperature: 58-64 degrees F
World Record: 6 lbs. – Westwego Canal, Louisiana – November 28, 1989
White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
Average spawning water temperature: 60-65 degrees F
World Record: 5 lbs. 3 oz. – Enid Reservoir, Mississippi – July 31, 1957