The Crappie is a freshwater fish species native to North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. The first scientific description of the Crappie was made in 1820 by American naturalist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque. The common name “crappie” is believed to have originated from the word “croppie,” which early settlers in the southern United States used to describe the fish’s cropping or nibbling behaviour when feeding. This article mentions the 8 best Arizona crappie fishing lakes.

Most freshwater anglers consider crappie to be the best-tasting freshwater fish out there. The crappie fish, also known as speckled perch, strawberry bass, white perch, and papermouth, has flaky white meat suitable for various delicious fish recipes. Crappies are schooling fish. Where you catch one, you will catch more. However, these schools do not stay in one place all the time.

Arizona is a state located in the United States. It is the sixth-largest state by area and the 14th most populous. Its capital, and largest city is Phoenix. Arizona has stunning natural landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rocks, and the Sonoran Desert.

The state’s mild climate makes it an excellent location for fishing. The spring and fall months, in particular, have comfortable temperatures for fishing and are ideal for catching crappie.

It has a strong fishing culture, and anglers can find many resources, including fishing guides, outfitters, and bait and tackle shops, to help them catch crappie. Some of Arizona’s lakes and reservoirs have large crappie populations, making it easier for anglers to catch these fish.

Black crappies in Arizona typically range in size from 7 to 12 inches in length and weigh between 0.5 and 1 pound. White crappies in Arizona are slightly larger, with an average length of 9 to 13 inches and a weight of 0.75 to 1.5 pounds.

Safety Tips: Catching Crappie

As a crappie angler, it’s essential to prioritize safety while enjoying this popular fishing activity. To ensure a safe and successful trip, follow these important safety tips that cover slip bobbers, rod holder, and precautions for winter and summer crappie bottom fishing.

1. Slip Bobber Safety: Slip bobbers are a valuable tool for Arizona crappie fishing, allowing you to present your bait at the desired depth. However, to ensure safe use, follow these guidelines:
   • Inspect your slip bobber for any cracks or damage before use, as a damaged bobber could cause line tangles or breakage.
   • Ensure the knot on your line is secure and properly adjusted to maintain the desired depth.
   • Be cautious when casting, particularly when other anglers or bystanders are nearby, as slip bobbers can cause injury if they hit someone.
2. Rod Holder Safety: Rod holders are essential for anglers, as they help maintain multiple lines in the water and improve efficiency. Keep these safety tips in mind when using them:
   • Ensure your rod holders are securely fastened to your boat, as a loose holder can lead to lost rods and even accidents.
   • Regularly inspect your rod holder for wear and tear, replacing them as needed.
   • Avoid overloading your rod holder, as this can cause them to break or tip over, leading to potential injury or loss of equipment.
3. Winter Crappie Ice Fishing Safety: Winter Crappie Ice Fishing Safety can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique safety concerns. Be sure to adhere to the following safety precautions:
   • Dress appropriately for the cold weather, wearing layers and waterproof clothing to stay warm and dry.
   • Monitor ice thickness when ice fishing, ensuring it’s at least 4 inches thick for safe, individual angling.
   • Carry safety equipment, such as ice picks and a throw rope, in case of emergencies.
   • Always inform someone of your fishing plans, location, and expected return time.

By following these safety tips, crappie anglers can have a more enjoyable and secure experience on the water. Whether using slip bobbers, or rod holders, always prioritize safety to ensure a fun and successful crappie gear outing.

Water Temperatures: Arizona Crappie Fishing Year Round

The best weather to catch crappies in Arizona is spring and fall, with mild water temperatures. Crappies tend to be most active when the temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, crappies tend to be more active during low-light conditions, such as the early morning or late evening, so planning your fishing trip during those times may be beneficial. This guide will show you the best Arizona crappie fishing spots near me.

In the summer months, the crappie doesn’t bite as aggressively as they do in the fall and spring, so being able to see the slightest movement of that rod tip when the crappie takes the bait gives the angler the advantage of setting the hook quickly.

Types Of Crappie: A Quick Guide for Crappie Anglers

There are two main types of crappie fish: black crappies (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappies (Pomoxis annularis).

White Crappie:

White crappies have a lighter, more silvery appearance than black crappies and have vertical stripes. They are also big crappie. They are typically found in warmer, turbid water with less vegetation than black. White crappie is slightly larger than black crappie, can grow up to 19 inches long, and weigh over 5 pounds.

Black Crappie:

This crappie is typically smaller than white crappies and has a dark, mottled appearance with irregularly arranged speckles and blotches. You can most commonly find them in clear water with vegetation, and they prefer cooler water temperatures than white crappies.

Freshwater anglers often find more crappie fish near the stickups, weed beds, shoreline cypress trees, blowdowns, or cover-button willows. The big crappie spawn lives in shallow water near channel edges next to main lake humps or shallow flats. Usually, the cold fronts drive post-spawn crappie back into deeper water from the shallows. The Spawn Crappie usually spawns when the temperature of the water reaches 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The depth that they generate will depend on the water clarity.

Docks are normally the hot spots for catching fall crappie, where they are hanging out in the upper 10 feet of the water column area. Night fishing is also highly productive in many areas for catching post-spawn crappie.

How-To: Tips For Arizona Crappie Fishing Lakes

To catch crappie in Arizona, here are some useful fishing techniques that you can use to fish for crappie successfully:

Look for the Cover: Crappies hang out around underwater structures like fallen trees and rocky areas. Look for these structures on your fish finder or use a map to locate them until you find feeding fish.

Use the Right Bait: You will find fish that can catch crappie using a variety of baits, including live minnows, jigs, and soft plastics. Experiment with different baits to see which ones work best in your fishing spot.

Choose the Right Jig Size & Color: The size and colour of the jig can make a big difference in your success. Generally, 1/32 to 1/8 ounce jigs are effective for crappies in Arizona. Regarding colour, white, chartreuse, and yellow are popular choices.

Adjust your depth: Crappie hangs out at different depths depending on the time of day and the temperature of the water. Use your fish finder to determine the depth at which they are feeding and adjust your bait accordingly.

Use a slow and steady retrieve targeting crappie: Crappies are not aggressive feeders, so it’s essential to use a slow and steady retrieve when fishing for them. It will allow them to take the bait without feeling threatened quickly.

Trolling: Using a light or ultralight spinning rod with a 4- to 6-pound test line when trolling for crappie. There are two main ways to target summer fish: trolling with snells or spinners and casting jigs into the structure and weeds. Use a small spinning reel with a high gear ratio to keep up with the fish. Crappies are often caught while trolling slowly, between 1 and 2 mph. You can use a trolling motor or paddles to maintain a consistent speed. With the help of proper gear and skills, you can catch crappie year round.

Jig Fishing: An Effective Technique for Crappie Anglers

Jigs are the most attractive artificial bait to catch crappie. Jigs can be anything from fully soft-bodied bait to feathery bait. Crappie Jigs come in any colour, are transparent, and are suitable for vertical jigging or fishing.

Ideally, your selection comprises solid black-white, lime green, and yellow jigs. Maribou Jig has long been a favourite lure for crappie. Maribou feathers, hair, or artificial materials are on a lead head jig hook. This vertical jigging fishing gear has a 6 1/2-foot medium action rod and spinning reel filled with a 4- or 6-pound fluorocarbon line.

Spider Rigging: A Versatile Technique for Crappie Fishing

This tactic lets the anglers troll jigs or minnows with multiple 14- to 16-inch rods off the front of your boat. Rod holders designed to hold multiple long poles are necessary for spider rigging. The standard setup for spider rigging consists of two jigs or two minnows on number 1 or 2 Aberdeen hooks, attached to your line using a three-way swivel or double-drop rig.

Equipment & Tackle for Catching Crappie

With proper crappie fishing equipment, it is no hard fish. Papermouths express delicate mouths, and twisted hooks can slash hooks. Usually, small hooking, baiting lines / small lines are the best bet. Six pounds of test water, maybe 8 pounds in heavier or murky water, will be ideal.

When trying to catch a big crappie suspended on a slow troll and keeping the lure higher in the water column, there are up to 10-pound tests. Use lighter rods to cast. The lure usually weighs only 1/2 ounce. Most anglers use the same crappie fishing tackle as they used the fishing rods with other panfish and lighter trout and bass rods to catch their catch.

Best Arizona Crappie Fishing Lakes

Here are the 8 best Arizona crappie fishing local lakes. The beauty of crappie fishing is that you can do it all with one spinning setup that’s fine-tuned to your preferences and fishing style. As I mentioned, you could use a cane pole and some basic fishing line, but I’ll outline a few more modern setups that can do just about any crappie technique.

Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake is located in central Arizona, about 80 miles east of Phoenix. The lake is in the Tonto National Forest, a popular outdoor recreation destination, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.

Two species of crappies live in Arizona, but the black crappie resides in Roosevelt Lake. Live bait or small jig are popular baits for fishing for crappie in Roosevelt Lake. Jigs in white, chartreuse, and yellow are often effective.

Crappie is often found near structures in this lake, so look for areas with submerged trees or rock formations. Experiment with different depths until you see where the crappies are biting.

November is a favourite month for fall crappie take amongst nearby anglers on Lake Roosevelt because of its strong climate patterns. Still, there are often stable crappie bites in wintry weather and into early spring. As for where to find Crappie in Roosevelt Lake, several spots are known to be productive:

Windy Hill is located on the east side of the lake and is known for producing large crappies. Look for submerged trees or brush pile in this area.

Access: From Phoenix, take State Route 87 (Beeline Highway) northeast towards Payson. Continue on State Route 188 south towards Roosevelt Lake. Also, from Globe, take State Route 188 north towards Roosevelt Lake.

Apache Lake

Apache Lake is located in the Tonto National Forest in central Arizona, about 65 miles northeast of Phoenix. We can find both black and white crappies in Apache Lake. Black crappies tend to be more abundant in the lake, but both species are there.

Black crappies in Apache Lake are often found in deeper water, especially during the summertime at night using submerged green light. Look for drop-offs or areas where the water depth changes. Live minnows or small jigs are popular baits for crappies in Apache Lake. Jigs in white and yellow are often effective. Crappies tend to be more active during low-light periods, such as early or late afternoon.

As for where to access Crappie in Apache Lake, try fishing near the dam, the marina, or the coves on the west side of the lake. Several boat ramps around the lake provide access to deeper water where crappies may be found.

Access: From Phoenix, take State Route 87 (Beeline Highway) northeast towards Payson. Turn right onto State Route 188 and continue southeast towards Globe. The turnoff for Apache Lake is about 3 miles south of Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Also, from Globe, take State Route 188 north towards Roosevelt Lake. The turnoff for Apache Lake is about 27 miles north of Globe.

Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake in central Arizona is a popular destination for anglers seeking to catch various fish, including crappie. The Arizona Game & Fish Department in Bartlett Lake 2021 stocked 14,000 sub-catchable black crappies.

Crappies are a species of sunfish that are highly sought after for their delicate and delicious white meat, making them a popular target for sport and recreational fishermen.

The crappie population in Bartlett Lake consists of both black and white crappies, with black crappies being more abundant in the lake. These fish are available year-round, but spring and fall are the best times to catch crappie. When fishing shallow in the spring, use a fixed bobber set a foot or 2 feet above a minnow attached to a number 1 or 2 Aberdeen hook.

One of the most productive areas for catching crappie fish in Bartlett Lake is the coves and inlets on the west side of the lake. These areas provide shelter from wind and waves and are often home to submerged structures that crappies prefer. The area around the dam can also be productive, especially during the spring when crappies are spawning.

The size of black crappies in Bartlett Lake can range from around 8 to 12 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5 pounds. It’s worth noting that there have been reports of larger black crappies caught in Bartlett Lake, with some weighing in at over 2 pounds, but these are considered relatively rare.

Access:

Take the Beeline Highway (State Route 87) north towards Payson from Phoenix. Continue on the Beeline Highway for approximately 28 miles until you reach the signed turnoff for Bartlett Dam Road (Forest Road 459). Turn onto Bartlett Dam Road and continue for approximately 11 miles until you reach the lake.

Alamo Lake

A 3,500-acre Alamo Lake is located in western Arizona, approximately 38 miles north of Wenden and 38 miles south of Lake Havasu City. Crappie fishing in Alamo Lake is popular for anglers, as the lake has healthy black crappie populations and due to its relatively clear water, ample cover from submerged trees and brush, and plenty of forage fish where crappie spawn, such as shad and bluegill. Winter or early spring are the best times to fish crappies in Alamo Lake.

Anglers can typically find black crappies in deeper water. Some of the best areas to catch crappie in Alamo Lake include the submerged trees near the dam, the coves on the eastern side of the lake, and the areas around the submerged islands in the central portion of the lake. Alamo Lake is considered one of Arizona’s best spots for catching crappie.

When fishing for crappies in Alamo Lake, anglers typically use small jigs or live bait, such as minnows or worms, and fish them slowly and deliberately around cover or structure. Jig fishing for crappie Jigs is the top artificial lure for crappie fishing. Jigs range from completely soft-bodied lures to hair or feathered baits. It’s also a good idea to vary the depth you’re fishing until you find the proper depth for the Crappie on that particular day.

Black crappies in Alamo Lake can range from 8 to 14 inches in length, with the average size being around 10-11 inches. The average weight for black crappies in Alamo Lake is approximately 0.5 to 1 pound, with larger specimens weighing up to 2 pounds or more.

Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant is a popular fishing destination located in Maricopa County, Arizona. The lake is well-known for its diverse fish populations, including several species of crappies.

Lake Pleasant has two kinds of crappie: black and white. Black is more common, but there are many white ones, too—these fish like being near underwater trees, bushes, and rocks. The best time to fish for crappie is spring, usually from March to May. This is when the water gets warmer, and crappie goes to shallow water to lay eggs. If you want to fish for crappie during this time, look for them near structures, especially in the north part of the lake.

The best time to target crappie in Lake Pleasant is spring, typically from March through May. It is when the water temperature begins to warm up, triggering the Crappie to move into shallower water to spawn. During this time, you can find crappie in large numbers in areas with structure, particularly in the northern portion of the lake.

To catch crappie in Lake Pleasant, anglers should use light tackle and small crappie lures, jigs, or live bait. Some popular bait options for crappie include minnows, small jig, and soft plastic body artificial lure. It’s essential to fish slowly and carefully, as crappie can be easily spooked.

Some of the best spots to catch crappie in Lake Pleasant include:

• The northern portion of the lake, particularly around the Agua Fria River inlet.
• Marina area, including the fishing pier and nearby docks.
• The Area around the islands in the central portion of the lake.

Access: Lake Pleasant Regional Park: This is the most popular way to access the lake, as the park offers several boat launch ramps and fishing piers. An entrance fee to the park varies depending on the day and time of year.

Patagonia Lake

Patagonia Lake is located in southern Arizona, United States, near Patagonia. Patagonia Lake is home to two species of Crappie: Black (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis). Both species are popular sport fish and are available year-round, but the best fishing usually occurs in the spring and fall.

The black crappie is generally more abundant and smaller than the white crappie in Patagonia Lake, but both species can reach up to 12 inches. Black crappie has dark and irregular spots on their sides, while white has vertical bars.

Anglers typically use the small jig, spinnerbaits, or live bait as minnow attached to catch crappie in Patagonia Lake, especially around underwater structures like submerged trees or brush piles.

Crappies have relatively soft mouths, so using light tackle when fishing for them is important. A 6-8 foot light or ultralight spinning rod with a 4-6 pound test line is ideal for crappie fishing in Patagonia Lake.

Access:

From Tucson, take Interstate 10 east to State Route 83 south to Sonoita, then take State Route 82 west to Patagonia. From Nogales, take State Route 82 east to Patagonia. Arizona Shuttle offers daily bus service from Tucson to Patagonia. The nearest major airport is Tucson International Airport, located approximately 60 miles north of Patagonia.

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, United States. The lake is on the Salt River, about 50 miles east of Phoenix. It is a popular destination for anglers looking to catch various fish species, including crappie. Canyon Lake is home to black (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis).

Black crappies tend to be more abundant in Canyon Lake, but you can catch both species using similar techniques. The best weather to catch crappie in Canyon Lake is spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. Crappie tends to be more active and feed more aggressively during these times. Additionally, overcast days or days with light rain can be great times to fish for crappie, as they tend to move into shallower water to feed.

When fishing for crappies in Canyon Lake, it’s important to focus on areas with underwater structures, such as submerged trees, brush piles, shallow water, and drop-offs. Using a fishfinder or map to locate these areas can increase your chances of finding crappies. Once you’ve found a good spot, try using small jigs or live minnows to entice crappies to bite.

Although minnows still catch great numbers of crappie, the panfish are also susceptible to biting an array of artificial lures ranging from soft plastics to crankbaits. A cane pole with some line attached was the only gear needed to fishing for crappie back in the good old days, but now anglers can choose ultralight spinning outfits, 9- to 10-foot jig poles or 14- to 16-foot trolling rods for their favourite crappie tactic.

One popular spot for catching crappie in Canyon Lake is near the dam, where submerged trees provide excellent cover for crappie. Another good spot is in the shallow coves and bays, especially during the spring and fall when crappie are more likely to move into shallower water.

Access: Visitors can take the Arizona State Route 88 and the Apache Trail to access Canyon Lake. The Apache Trail is a scenic drive that winds through the Tonto National Forest and provides access to several recreation areas, including Canyon Lake.

San Carlos Lake

San Carlos Lake is located near San Carlos in southeastern Arizona, United States, about 130 miles east of Phoenix.

You can find both black and white crappies in San Carlos Lake. The lake supports a healthy population of both species, making it a popular destination for Crappie fishing year-round. Still, the best fishing is typically in the spring and falls when the water temperature is cooler.

The average size of crappies in San Carlos Lake can vary depending on several factors, including the time of year, water temperature, and fishing pressure. Generally speaking, black crappies in San Carlos Lake tend to be slightly larger than white crappies, with some specimens reaching up to 14 inches long and weighing over a pound.

However, the average size of crappie caught in San Carlos Lake is typically around 8-10 inches long, weighing 0.5-1 pound.

Some popular spots to fish for crappies in San Carlos Lake are near underwater structures such as submerged trees, stumps, and brush piles. These structures provide shelter for crappies and attract smaller baitfish, which in turn attract crappies.

Also, in shallow areas near the shore, particularly during the spring when the water is warming up. Crappies move into shallower water during spawning, usually in Arizona in late April or early May.

Access: There are several access points to San Carlos Lake, including the San Carlos Lake Park, the Point of Pines Recreation Area, and the Windy Hill Recreation Area. The San Carlos Lake Park is on the lake’s eastern shore and offers camping facilities, a boat launch, and picnic areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arizona offers a wealth of opportunities for crappie fishing enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. From the serene waters of Alamo Lake to the flourishing habitat of Roosevelt Lake, anglers can find plenty of spots teeming with crappie ready for the catch.

With stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and well-maintained facilities, these lakes provide the ultimate crappie fishing experience in the heart of the Southwest. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, top Arizona crappie fishing lakes are guaranteed to create unforgettable memories and inspire a lifelong passion for the sport.

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