White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) is a schooling freshwater sunfish prized by anglers for its size and table quality. It prefers stained water and often spawns and feeds around cover in lakes, reservoirs, and slow rivers.
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Identification points
- Body is deep and laterally compressed, with a large crappie-shaped profile.
- Usually shows many irregular dark vertical bars or broken bars on the sides.
- Dorsal fin has 7-8 spines, and the mouth is relatively large for a panfish.
Habitat
Lakes, reservoirs, oxbows, and slow rivers with submerged timber, brush piles, docks, weed edges, and muddy to moderately stained water; commonly holds in deeper water outside the spawn.
Bait notes
Live minnows are the top bait; small tube jigs, curly-tail jigs, and minnow-imitating plastics also work well. In stained water, use brighter colors; in clear water, natural shad or silver patterns.
Behavior
Feeds on small shad, minnows, and aquatic insects, often suspending over open water or relating to cover. Most active at dawn, dusk, and low-light periods; moves shallow to spawn when water warms.
Caution
Check local harvest regulations and size limits, as crappie rules vary by state or province. No major species-specific consumption hazard is typical, but follow standard freshwater fish advisories if issued locally.
Fishing notes
Target brush piles, dock shade, and ledges with light line and a slow retrieve or vertical jigging. Suspend baits at the depth of the school, and fish slowly during cold fronts or midday.