Black Crappie fishing

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

About Black Crappie

A popular panfish that schools around brush and docks. Best in spring near the spawn and at dusk. It hangs above cover rather than in it, so a bait held over the brush pile gets hit and one that drops into it gets snagged. A small jig under a float, kept still and twitched now and then, is close to the whole technique. The mouth tears easily, which is where the nickname papermouth comes from, so keep the pressure steady and let the rod do the work.

Typical size: Usually 20-30 cm. Record (approx.): ≈ 2 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

Apr-May

Best time

Dawn, dusk

Habitat

Lake, River

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Soft-plastic jig Let the jig sink to the bottom and work it with small lifts and pauses. Stay in contact with the line; takes usually come on the drop. Check price on Amazon

Float bait Bait with worm, maggot or corn and set the float so the bait hovers just above the bottom. Strike when the float goes under. Check price on Amazon

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Waters where Black Crappie bites

Lake Okeechobee Florida Kentucky Lake Kentucky

Open a water for live weather, water temperature and today's odds.

Guides about Black Crappie

Find waters where Black Crappie is biting now

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Black Crappie?

Black Crappie fishing is usually best around Apr-May. The best windows in the day are usually dawn, dusk.

What lures and baits work for Black Crappie?

Effective methods for Black Crappie include Soft-plastic jig and Float bait.

Where can you catch Black Crappie?

Black Crappie is most often found in lake, river. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.