Black Crappie

Biological Profile & Regional Guide

Table Fare: Excellent

Pennsylvania (PFBC)

Adult (Weight): 1 lb 4 oz
Junior (Weight): 1 lb 0 oz
Catch & Release: 10 in

State Record: 4 lb 3 oz

📍 Hammond Lake (2000)

New York (NYSDEC)

Angler Award: 14 in
(Minimum Length Requirement)

State Record: 4 lb 1 oz

📍 Lakeview Marsh (1998)

Deep-bodied, laterally compressed. Silvery-green with irregular dark black mottling (no vertical bars).

8-14 inches, 0.5-2 lbs.

Clear lakes and reservoirs with abundant submerged timber or brush.

Insects, crustaceans, and heavily reliant on small minnows.

Movement: Schooling fish. Suspends in the water column near structure.

Spawning: Spring (60-64°F) in shallow, protected bays near brush.

Lifespan: 7-10 years

Fighting Behavior: Light biters. "Paper mouths" require a delicate hookset to avoid tearing.

Recommended Tactics: Casting or vertically jigging around standing timber and brush piles.

Best Baits/Lures: 1/16oz jigs, live fathead minnows.

Jan
•••

Feb
•••

Mar
•••

Apr
HOT

May
HOT

Jun
HOT

Jul
•••

Aug
•••

Sep
HOT

Oct
HOT

Nov
•••

Dec
•••