black-crappie
Species Facts

Science Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Other Names: speckled perch, specks, papermouth, bachelor perch, calico bass, strawberry bass, or white perch
Ideal Temp: 70 to 75
World Record: 4 lbs. 8 ounces Kerr Lake
Environment: river and lakes
Techniques: light tackle, cassting, fly fishing
Range: Most of U.S and Canada

 

Description

Crappies are relatively easy to find and catch in the spring, when they inhabit shallow water brushy areas. But as summer rolls around, they vacate these abodes to roam or suspend over deep water. The crappie is a very popular sportfish and is responsible for the death of many a minnow! Black crappie are normally caught under 2 pounds. They can grow up to 5 pounds and measure 13 inches. Sexual maturity is reached in the second or third year. Black crappies are excellent gamefish and are highly regarded by bait fishermen and artificial-lure anglers alike. They are easily caught during pre-spawning periods when the fish congregat in large schools. Trolling with small, live minnows or a spinner-fly combination is very productive. They will also strike subsurface flies, small spinners, jigs, and tiny crankbaits. Crappies tend to suspend in midwater, so you may have to experiment to find the right depth.

Hybrids Know to hybridize with white crappie.

Habitat Black crappies thrive in clear, natural lakes and reservoirs with moderate vegetation. They are also found in large, slow-moving, less turbid rivers, provided the water is not too murky. Crappies prefer water from 70 to 75 degrees but will tolerate water over 80 degrees. It is gregarious and often travels in schools.

Feeding Habits Plankton, small fish and larval aquatic insects make up most of the diet. Like white crappies, blacks spend a good deal of time feeding on suspended plankton in mid-water.

Cooking Considered to be excellent eating by many anglers. The meat is prepared by rolling in cornmeal or dipping in pancake batter and deep frying, and can also be baked or broiled.

Spawning Habits Spawn in spring, usually at a water temperature of 62 to 65F. They nest in colonies, with individual nests somewhat more apparent than the nests of white crappies. After spawning, males guard the eggs and fry.

Age and Growth Black crappies live longer than whites, sometimes as long as 10 years. But they grow more slowly

Tips for Fishing

Black crappie are better fighters than white crappies, but not nearly as strong as bluegills. The best live baits are small minnows and insect larvae. They will also strike subsurface flies, small spinners, jigs and tiny crank-baits. Black crappies tend to suspend in mid-water, so you may have to experiment to find the right depth.