Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Black crappie are a popular North American panfish with a deep, laterally compressed body and dark mottling. They often school around cover and bite best in low light when feeding on small fish and aquatic insects.
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Identification points
- Deep, laterally compressed body with a large mouth
- Irregular black speckling and mottling on the sides, not vertical bars
- Usually 7 or 8 dorsal-fin spines, helping separate it from white crappie
Habitat
Found in quiet freshwater lakes, reservoirs, oxbows, and slow rivers with submerged timber, brush piles, weed edges, docks, and other cover; often in clearer water than white crappie.
Bait notes
Small minnows, jig-and-minnow combos, tube jigs, small marabou jigs, and soft plastic grubs are effective. Natural colors work in clear water; brighter colors can help in stained water.
Behavior
Schooling fish that move shallow to spawn in spring and then relate to cover at mid-depths and deeper structure. They feed on minnows, shad, insects, and small crustaceans, with strongest feeding at dawn, dusk, and under overcast conditions.
Caution
Sharp dorsal and anal spines can puncture skin; handle carefully. Follow local creel limits and size rules, which can be strict on some waters.
Fishing notes
Fish small presentations slowly around brush, docks, submerged trees, and weed edges. Suspend jigs under a bobber, vertical jig over structure, or troll small cranks and jigs to find schools.