Crappies are freshwater fish species, also famous as papermouths, speckled bass, or specks. You can find fish throughout North America. They are among the most popular game fish species in the United States. Crappie anglers who want to catch crappie for their delicious taste and the challenging fight came to America’s rivers and lakes. You can catch crappie using a variety of fishing techniques. You can typically catch crappie in the spring and fall months. Now, we will see crappie fishing tips and bass fishing techniques in America’s rivers and lakes. With patience and skill, anglers can have a great time catching these delicious fish.

You can find crappie in various freshwater habitats, including lakes, rivers, and ponds. They prefer clear water with moderate to slow currents. They congregate around submerged structures such as fallen trees, brush piles, and weed beds.

Types of Crappies

In America, there are two main crappie species: black crappie and white crappie. While they are similar in appearance and behavior, they have some differences. 

1- Black Crappie

The black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) is a common crappie native to the eastern and central United States. It is a deep-bodied fish with a silvery-gray color and black speckles on its sides. Black crappies have a mild and sweet taste but are good to eat.

The black crappie is a member of sunfish and tends to be more demanding and challenging to catch than the white crappie. They also have fewer spines on their dorsal fin and a more petite mouth.

2- White Crappie

The white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) is a species of crappie. Sometimes, you may call it a “white perch” white crappie. It is also native to the southern United States. It has a deep, compressed body with a silvery-white color and black side stripes. White crappie has a sweet taste. 

White crappies prefer murky water with structure. They tend to be more aggressive and more accessible to catch compared to black crappie. They have dorsal fin spines and a larger mouth.

Where to Catch Crappie?

There are many popular states in America for crappie fishing. Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, George, and Indiana are among them. Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Oregon, and Ohio have a huge crappie population. Anglers using many techniques can easily catch crappie in these states.

1- Lakes

Lake Ouachita is one of Arkansas’s largest lakes and a popular crappie fishing destination. Crappie is native to Sebago Lake in Maine and is famous for producing trophy-sized fish. 

Lake Fork in Texas is a local lake for crappie fishing. Anglers from all over the state came here to catch crappie in large numbers. They can target crappie around the lake’s timber.

Sardis Lake has a large amount of crappie for anglers. In Mississippi, this river is popular for producing large numbers of fish. Anglers can target crappie around the lake’s submerged structures in this lake.

2- Rivers

Some of the best American rivers for crappie fishing include:

The Mississippi River is one of the largest rivers in the United States and is home to various fish species, including crappie. Anglers can target crappie in the river’s slower-moving backwaters and sloughs.

The Ohio River runs through six different states and is home to crappie. Crappie anglers can target the river’s quieter backwaters and tributaries.

The Cumberland River is a good spot for crappie fishing in Tennessee and Kentucky. Most anglers can target crappie in the river’s quieter tributaries. The Tennessee River is another crappie fishing destination in Tennessee and Alabama. Most anglers can target crappie in the river around submerged structures.

Crappie is native to the Arkansas River in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Crappie anglers can target the river’s quieter backwaters and around logs and rocks.

When to Catch Crappie?

The best time to catch crappie varies depending on several factors. It includes the location, weather, water temperature, and time of day. Generally, crappies are most active during the spring and fall seasons, but you can catch crappie year-round in some areas.

Spring: This season, crappies move into shallow waters to spawn, making them easier to catch. It is the best time to catch crappie.

The crappie spawn usually occurs when the water temperature reaches 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, while it happens when it reaches below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The best times to catch crappie during the spring are early morning and late afternoon. 

Fall: In the fall, crappies move back into shallow waters. It would help if you tried to catch crappie in shallow flats, often called the bottom of shallow waters. Crappie feeding activity increases as they prepare for the winter. The best time to catch them during the fall is late afternoon and early evening.

Winter: Winter crappie fishing can be challenging. You can still catch them in deeper waters using specialized techniques and bait. 

Summer: Summer crappie fishing is relatively easy compared to winter crappie fishing. Crappies tend to move into deeper waters and are less active during the day. Fishing in the early morning or late evening when the water is cooler can increase your chances during the summer.

It’s important to note that crappie fishing can vary greatly depending on the specific conditions, such as water temperatures. Therefore, consulting with local fishing experts and reading fishing reports is recommended. 

How to Catch Crappie?

Catching crappie can be a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. One of the best crappie gear is by using live bait. These live baits are minnows or worms on a small hook with a slip bobber. This method allows you to adjust the depth of your bait and keep it in the strike zone.

Successful crappie fishing requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment with different baits and techniques. With practice and persistence, anglers can increase their chances of catching these popular gamefish. Do you want to know how to crappie fish in the lakes and rivers of America?

Crappie Fishing Tackle and Equipment

There are several essential crappie fishing techniques to consider while choosing a crappie fishing tackle.

A lightweight and sensitive rod and reel are the most critical crappie fishing equipment to detect bites while having enough strength to handle larger crappie and using a rod holder to prevent the fishing rod from slipping. A light fishing line in the 2-6 pound test range is suitable for crappie fishing. 

Hooks in sizes 4-8 work very well for crappie. Artificial crappie lures like jigs, spinners, and grubs may be effective. You can use bobbers or floats to keep the bait at the desired depth and provide an indicator for bites. You may use a fixed bobber set and a slip bobber set.

You can use swivels, snap clips, and split shot sinkers for terminal tackle. Remember the size of the targeting crappie and the fishing conditions you’ll be facing. 

Best Lures for Crappie Fishing

While jigs are the most effective lures for crappie, you can also try many options. Some of them are as follows.

1) Crankbait or Jerkbait

While crankbaits and jerk baits can be effective for crappie fishing, some differences may make one more effective, depending on the situation.

Crankbaits typically have a diving lip that allows them to dive deeper into the water. Their wider wobble or action can attract fish from a greater distance. 

Crankbaits can be effective for big crappie fishing when fishing around structures like docks or brush piles. It is also effective when quickly covering a lot of water to find schooling fish. Raise the bait slowly to 10 feet deep to catch crappie. 

Jerkbaits, on the other hand, are typically smaller and have a more subtle action than crankbaits. 

You can use them for fishing with a twitching or jerking motion. It can be very effective for triggering bites from crappie that are feeding on smaller baitfish. Jerkbaits can be especially effective when fishing in colder water or when crappie are finicky.

Choosing between crankbaits and jerk baits for crappie fishing will depend on your fishing conditions. It’s always a good idea to have both types of crappie lures in your fishing tackle box. You can experiment and see which works best on a given day.

2) Spinners

Spinners are a popular lure for crappie fishing. They create flashes and vibrations that can attract the attention of these fish. When choosing spinners for crappie fishing, there are a few factors to consider:

Choose spinners that are small enough to match the size of the baitfish that crappie are feeding on. A good rule of thumb is to select spinners that weigh 1/32 to 1/8 ounce.

Consider the water clarity and the type of forage in the area. Use natural colors like silver, gold, and brown in a clear water column. Try using brighter colors like chartreuse or pink in stained or murky water.

Willow leaf blades are famous for crappie fishing because they create a lot of flash and vibration. Colorado blades are also a good choice because they produce more vibration than flash.

Use light lines when fishing with spinners for crappie, such as the 2-6 pound test. A lighter line allows the spinner to move more freely, creating a more natural presentation.

Crappies are attracted to a slow, steady retrieve, so keep the spinner moving consistently. Experiment with different speeds until you find what works best for the conditions and the fish.

3) Spoons

When choosing spoons for crappie fishing, it’s essential to consider the spoon’s size, color, shape, and retrieve speed.

A good size range for crappie spoons is 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. The color of the spoon should match the water clarity and the type of forage in the area. 

Spoons with a slender profile and a slightly curved shape work well for crappie fishing. When retrieving the spoon, a slow and steady pace is effective. You can also try jigging by giving the rod tip a quick upward snap to make the spoon flutter and flash.

You can read our guide on the Best Crappie Fishing Lakes in Arizona.

Best Jig Fishing for Crappie

Jig fishing is a popular technique for catching crappie. It involves using a type of artificial lure called a jig. A jig consists of a weighted head with a hook. It may also contain feathers, fur, or plastic bait to mimic the appearance of small baitfish.

Use casting jigs to the desired location and let them sink to the desired depth. Then, retrieve it slowly and steadily, occasionally jigging the rod tip to make the jig erratic.

It’s crucial to select the right size and color of the jig to match the conditions. Brightly colored small jigs, like yellow jigs, are effective in murky water. More natural colors like brown or green can work well in more transparent water. The black and chartreuse color combination is best for crappie fishing.

Smaller jigs in the 1/16 to 1/32 ounce range may be effective for crappie fishing. You can also use ice fishing jigs and flies in different colors and shapes.

Vertical jigging is a technique for catching crappie, particularly in deeper water. The term “vertical” refers to the fact that you can drop the jig straight down from the boat.

To vertical jig for crappie, start by locating schools of fish on your fish finder. Drop your jig to the desired depth once you’ve found a suitable spot. Then, jig it up and down in short, sharp movements.

The key to successful vertical jigging for crappie is always maintaining contact with the jig. You can achieve it by using a sensitive rod and line.

The slip knot technique is a popular way to fish for crappie, especially when using live bait such as minnows. Start by tying a small overhand knot in your fishing line, about 6 inches from the end.

Pass the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook. Bring the tag end back towards the overhand knot and pass it through. Make sure the knot is snug against the eye of the hook. Also, pull the tag end tight to secure the knot.

Next, tie a small loop in the tag end of the line, about 1-2 inches from the overhand knot. Pass the loop through the overhand knot and pull it tight, creating a slip knot.

Insert the hook through the minnow’s lips or back. Then, pass the hook through the loop of the slip knot. Pull the slip knot tight to secure the hook in place.

Best Bait For Crappie Fishing

Bait fishing is a very effective way to fish for crappie, and several types of bait work well. 

Live minnows are among the most popular and effective baits for crappie fishing. Depending on the minnow’s size and hook, attach the minnow through the lips or back. Then, use a slip knot rig to let the minnow swim freely in the water.

Jigs are another popular bait for crappie fishing. Choose a jig with a small head and a soft plastic body in a color that matches the water. 

Crappie nibbles are small, scented pieces of soft plastic. You can add them to a jig or hook to add scent and flavor to the bait. They come in a variety of colors and flavors. They can be especially effective when the fish are not actively feeding.

Wax worms are another live bait that can be effective for crappie. They are small and easy to use. You can hook them through the body or the head. They work exceptionally well in colder water when the fish are not as active.

When bait fishing for crappie, it’s important to use light tackle and a sensitive rod. Because crappie fish have very soft mouths and can be complicated to hook, use a slow, gentle hookset to avoid pulling the bait away from the fish.

Best Fly Fishing for Crappies

For fly fishing for crappie, a lightweight fly rod and reel setup in the 2-4 weight range is typically sufficient. You’ll also want to use a floating line and a tapered leader in the 4-6 pound range.

Crappies typically go after small, minnow-like patterns such as Clouser minnows, wooly buggers, and small streamers. You can also try using small poppers or dry flies if the fish feed on the surface.

Crappie fish hang around structures such as fallen trees, weed beds, and docks. Be sure to cast your fly close to these areas. Use a slow, twitchy retrieve to mimic the movements of a wounded or injured baitfish.

They can be elusive and difficult to find, so take your time and be patient. Look for areas with good structure and cover. Watch for any signs of fish activity, such as surface feeding or jumping.

Crappies are a popular game fish. Practicing catch and release can help ensure these fish remain abundant for future generations.

Best Flies for Crappie Fishing

Choosing flies that mimic small baitfish is essential when fishing for crappie. The Clouser Minnow is a popular fly pattern for all types of game fish, including crappie. This pattern imitates a small minnow. You can tie them in various colors to match the local baitfish.

The Woolly Bugger is another versatile fly pattern that works well for crappie. This fly imitates a small leech or baitfish. Small foam poppers can be effective for crappie feeding on the surface. These flies create a commotion in the water and can trigger a strike from a hungry fish.

Small streamer patterns, such as the Muddler Minnow or the Zonker, can be effective when fished with a slow, steady retrieve. 

Small nymph patterns, such as the Pheasant Tail or the Hare’s Ear, can be effective when fished near the bottom. Use a slow, drifting presentation to imitate a small insect or nymph.

Trolling for Crappie

Trolling is a popular method of fishing for crappie. It involves slowly moving a boat through the water while dragging a lure or baited hook behind it. 12-volt, 24-volt, and 36-volt trolling motors with different lengths are best for crappie fishing.

The goal is to cover a large area of water and locate schools of crappie. Once you locate the school, you can anchor the boat and use drifting techniques to continue catching crappie.

When trolling for crappie, using the right crappie fishing equipment is essential. A light or medium action spinning reel and rod may be adequate, with a line that’s around 6-10 lb test. 

Crappie jigs or small spinners are popular lures for this technique, although live minnows can also be effective. 

Spider Rig: Spider rigging may be an effective technique for serious crappie anglers to catch crappie. You can use this technique, particularly in deeper waters. 

Spider rigs involve setting up multiple fishing rods, 4 to 8, along the boat’s sides and slowly trolling through the water. Each rod is usually rigged with a jig or live bait. Rod will be set at a different depth to cover a range of depths.

Spider rigging is especially effective when fishing for suspended crappie in deeper water. Multiple rods allow you to cover a larger area and increase your chances of finding and catching crappie. For long survey lines, you may use longer rod ranges, with 3-6 m. 

The spider rigging technique also allows for a more precise presentation of the bait or lure, as you can adjust the rod to the perfect depth and position.

Crappie Fishing Regulations

Crappie fishing regulations can vary depending on the state or location where you are fishing. These regulations may include size and bag limits, catch and release requirements, restrictions on fishing methods, and licensing requirements. 

Size limits may require that you release any crappie below a certain length. Bag limits specify the number of crappies.

You will also need to obtain a fishing license before you can legally fish for crappie. Some states may require additional permits or stamps for certain types of fishing. 

By being aware of responsible fishing practices, you can help ensure that crappie fishing remains sustainable for years.