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Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black Crappie are among the most popular sportfish in Arizona, found in most of the state's major warm water reservoirs despite not being native to the region. In Arizona, they're far more abundant than white crappie.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These laterally compressed panfish are easily identified by their 7-8 dorsal fin spines (versus 5-6 for white crappie) and irregular dark speckles over a silvery-olive background.
  • In Arizona, they typically reach 4-8 inches in length, though specimens up to 15 inches and 4 pounds are possible.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in most of the state's major warm water reservoirs despite not being native to the region.

Key Locations

  • Key Arizona waters include Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant, and Alamo Lake, with populations also established in many smaller reservoirs statewide.
  • Productive Arizona locations include the Salt River chain (Apache, Canyon, Saguaro), Roosevelt Lake, Lake Pleasant, and Alamo Lake.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer areas with little current and abundant cover such as submerged timber, brush piles, and aquatic vegetation around sandy or muddy bottoms.
  • Target depths range from 3-8 feet during spring spawning periods to 15-25 feet in summer and winter.
  • During winter, target mouths of coves, secondary points, and channel bends.
  • Spring spawning locations: early spawners in back of coves, mid-season fish in mid-coves, and late-season spawners toward cove fronts.

Black Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Crappie in Arizona?

Effective baits include live minnows, small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce), silver spoons, spinners, and small crankbaits. Popular lure colors are chartreuse, white, and black combinations in stained water, with more natural hues in clear conditions.

When is the best time to fish for Black Crappie in Arizona?

Prime time during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). During winter months, target deeper trees and main lake structures in 20-30 feet of water. As February approaches, pre-spawn females suspend in mid-lake areas 10-15 feet deep. Spring spawning occurs in March when fish move toward banks.

How do you catch Black Crappie in Arizona?

Key techniques include spider rigging with multiple rods and minnows, vertical jigging around structure, bobber and minnow rigs suspended at varying depths, and slow trolling small crankbaits along creek channels and points.

What do Black Crappie eat?

Black crappie are opportunistic feeders that undergo a dietary shift as they mature - juveniles under 6-7 inches consume insects and plankton, while adults switch primarily to a fish-based diet, with threadfin shad being their main forage in Arizona waters.

Where do Black Crappie live in Arizona?

Found in most of the state's major warm water reservoirs despite not being native to the region.

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