Species guide

How to catch White crappie

Pomoxis annularis

Stylized 2D illustration of White crappie
freshwatergame fishCentrarchidae

The white crappie is a popular freshwater game fish known for its deep, short body and attractive speckled pattern. It inhabits rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds, often favoring turbid waters with sand or mud bottoms. This predator feeds on small fish and aquatic insects, making it a lively catch for anglers.

Where they live

Found in sand- and mud-bottomed pools and backwaters of creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds across North America. Prefers turbid freshwater environments.

Typical size

Up to about 53 cm

What they eat

  • small fish
  • crustaceans
  • aquatic insect larvae
  • mayfly nymphs

Best baits

  • small minnows
  • worms
  • crayfish
  • insect larvae

Best lures

  • small jigs
  • soft plastic grubs
  • spoons
  • spinnerbaits

How to fish for them

  • jigging
  • casting small lures
  • live bait fishing
  • float fishing

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