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FishUnited States

Black Crappie

Premier panfish species — schooling, structure-loving, and prized for delicate white meat. A top spring and ice-fishing target.

2 viewsFauna (Animals) • Freshwater Species

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Overview

The Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) is a deep-bodied, silvery panfish covered in irregular dark blotches. Anglers prize crappie for two reasons: they school in big numbers around brush and structure, and their flaky white meat is considered some of the finest table fare in fresh water.

Black Crappie are easily distinguished from White Crappie by their random spot pattern (vs. vertical bars) and 7-8 dorsal spines (vs. 5-6). They suspend near submerged timber, brush piles, weedlines, and bridge pilings, ambushing small minnows and insects.

The spring spawn (April-June at 58-68°F) is the peak season — crappie move shallow and become very catchable. Small jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink — and live minnows under a slip bobber — are the classic presentations. Crappie are also one of the top winter ice fishing targets in northern lakes.

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Fish Data31 / 39 fields

Fish Data

31 / 39 fields

Physical

Adult Size— not set

Average Length(in)9.0 in

ColorationSilvery-green with irregular dark blotches scattered randomly across the body. Deep, compressed shape.

Distinguishing Features7-8 dorsal spines (vs. White Crappie 5-6). Random spot pattern (vs. White Crappie vertical bars). Deeply forked tail. "Papermouth" — thin tissue around mouth tears easily.

Max Length(in)19.0 in

Max Weight(lb)5.0 lb

World Record Weight(lb)5.0 lb

Habitat

Diet— not set

Native Range— not set

Conservation Status— not set

Depth Preference4-20 ft, suspended near brush or structure. Goes deeper in summer heat.

HabitatClear lakes, reservoirs, and slow rivers. Suspends near submerged brush, fallen timber, weed edges, and bridge pilings.

Introduced RangeIntroduced widely throughout North America and into parts of Europe and Mexico.

Native RangeEastern and central North America east of the Rockies, north to southern Canada.

Temperature PreferenceCool to warm water — most active at 70-75°F.

Water TypeFreshwater

Classification

Common Names— not set

PhylumChordata

Kingdom— not set

Species— not set

Class— not set

Common NamesCalico bass, Speckled perch, Specks, Papermouths, Strawberry bass

FamilyCentrarchidae

GenusPomoxis

OrderPerciformes

Scientific NamePomoxis nigromaculatus

Behavior

Active TimeCrepuscular

Diet TypeCarnivore

Lifespan(yr)9 yr

Spawning SeasonSpring (April-June) at 58-68°F. Males build nests in shallow vegetated areas.

Typical PreySmall fish (especially shad, minnows, fry of other species), insects, zooplankton, crustaceans.

Conservation

Invasive Elsewhere No

IUCN StatusLeast Concern

Recreation

Best LuresSmall jigs (1/32-1/16 oz) in white, chartreuse, or pink; live minnows under a slip bobber; tube jigs; small spinners; small crankbaits.

Best SeasonSpring spawn is peak; fall is excellent. A top ice fishing target in winter.

Best Time of DayDawn and dusk are prime; can be caught all day during the spring spawn.

Eating QualityExcellent

Edible Yes

Game Fish Yes

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External Resources2 links

External Resources & Links

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FishBase

iNaturalist

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Added Apr 5, 2026