Black Crappie

Prefers clear, vegetated lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with sandy or muddy bottoms. Found in schools around submerged structures, brush piles, and weed beds. Depth range 6-15 feet during summer, deeper in winter.

Spring (April-May) spawning in shallow water near vegetation. Summer in deeper water around structure. Fall feeding heavily before winter. Winter deep water, slow metabolism. Best fishing spring and fall.

Silvery-green body with dark irregular blotches. 7-8 dorsal spines (fewer than white crappie). Dorsal fin length roughly equal to distance from dorsal to eye. Deep, compressed body. Large mouth. Size 8-12 inches common, up to 15 inches.