All About Crappie
Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book
Black Crappie Fishing Tips
Where
Habitat -- Large streams, lakes and ponds with clear water & a little vegetation, sub-merged logs, trees and stumps
How
Bait -- Grubs, worms, minnows fished on or near the bottom or under a float, crickets, grasshoppers on a light wire fished on surface
Lures -- Small spinners & twisters and crankbait
Lure Color -- Black, brown and green
Line -- 4-8 lb. test
Hook Size -- 4-8
Lure Size -- 1/32 to 1/8 oz.
When
Spring -- Daytime
Summer -- Early day
Fall -- Early day
White Crappie Fishing Tips
Where
Habitat -- Large ponds, lakes and reservoirs under submerged trees, logs and stumps. Found in warmer, more turbid waters than the black crappie
How
Bait -- Minnows or grubs fished near the bottom or under a float
Lures -- Small spinners & twisters
Lure Color -- White, silver, black, green and yellow
Line -- 2-6 lb. test
Hook Size -- 4-8
Lure Size -- 1/32 to 1/8 oz.
When
Spring -- Daytime
Summer -- Early day
Fall -- Early day
Interactive Maps
Find fishing waters by using one or more of our interactive maps:
- Best Fishing Waters - Crappie
- Warmwater/Coolwater Fisheries for waters known to have panfish
- Special Regulation Areas (Panfish Enhancement Program)
- Biologist Reports for reports on waters surveyed by Commission biologists
- County Guide for access points