Photo: Unknown author / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Black Crappie
Freshwater
About this species
A speckled, deep-bodied panfish that gathers around brush piles and standing timber. It is one of North America's most popular light-tackle targets. Tiny jigs and live minnows fished under a float are deadly.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
1 – 8 m
Habitat Spots
LakeReservoirRiver
Fishing Methods
FloatLureJigging
Bait & Rig
Tiny 1/32 to 1/16 oz tube jigs or curly-tail grubs fished under a float, and live minnows near brush piles.
Edibility & Taste
Mild, sweet white flesh widely regarded as one of the best-tasting panfish in North America.
Similar Species
Seven or eight dorsal spines and irregular spotting pattern distinguish black crappie from white crappie, which has five or six spines and vertical bars.
Record Weight
2.72 kg