They are found in nearly every state. Originally, these fish were only native to the area from southern Canada and the Great Lakes to Florida, and Nebraska to the Gulf Coast. The white crappie is more numerous in the southern states and the black crappie is more numerous in the northern ranges.

HABITS:

Both crappies are school fish. Once a school is located many fish can be caught until the school quits feeding or moves.

SPAWNING:

In the South crappie spawn in the early spring, as early as February if the weather is conducive. In the North they spawn in the late spring to early summer. Crappie are quite prolific and females can produce up to 100,000 eggs in one spawning season.

GROWTH:

Average adult crappie are 1.5 to 2 pounds. Black crappie have been caught up to 5 pounds.

USES:

Crappie are angled for pleasure and personal consumption.

CULTURE:

Many state agencies hatch crappie for supplemental stocking the wild population or stocking private farm ponds.

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