Species guide
How to catch Black crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
freshwatergame fishCentrarchidae
Black crappie is a popular freshwater game fish known for its deep, short body and schooling behavior. It inhabits clear lakes, ponds, and slow-moving waters with vegetation. This species feeds mostly at night and early morning, preying on small fish and aquatic insects.
Where they live
Found in clear freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow streams across North America. Prefers vegetated areas over mud or sand and often forms schools.
Typical size
Up to about 49 cm
What they eat
- small fish
- crustaceans
- dragonfly larvae
- aquatic insects
Best baits
- minnows
- worms
- crayfish
Best lures
- small jigs
- spinners
- soft plastic grubs
How to fish for them
- casting near vegetation
- jigging
- float fishing at dawn or night
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