Skip to main content

White Crappie

White Crappie

White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis) are one of two crappie species found in Arizona waters, though they are far less common than black crappie and are found primarily at Lake Pleasant, which is noted as the only lake where white crappie are occasionally caught.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from black crappie by having 5-6 dorsal fin spines (versus 7-8 for black crappie) and display 5-10 dark vertical bars along their silvery-olive bodies rather than the random scattered spots of black crappie.
  • Adult white crappie typically reach 9-15 inches and weigh around 2 pounds, with a more elongated body shape than black crappie.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Prefer open water environments over heavy cover areas.

Key Locations

  • Lake Pleasant.

Specific Spots

  • Fish around submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and shoreline structure where crappie congregate.
  • During pre-spawn and spawn periods, target shallow areas 2-10 feet deep with structure.
  • Post-spawn fish can be found suspended in schools over deeper water 20-30 feet deep.
  • Focus fishing efforts around points, channel edges, and areas with transitions from shallow to deep water.

White Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small live minnows fished under bobbers, small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) with soft plastic bodies in chartreuse or white for stained water and more natural colors for clear conditions. Silver spoons, small spinners also produce results.

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

Best fishing occurs during spring (March-May) and fall periods when fish are most active. They spawn in spring to early summer when water temperatures reach 56-68°F, typically in May and June. During spawning season, avoid targeting these fish to protect reproduction.

How do you catch White Crappie in Arizona?

Use a slow presentation as crappie are deliberate feeders - employ techniques like slow-rolling jigs, vertical jigging, or trolling small crankbaits at 1-1.5 mph. Spider rigging with multiple rods can be effective for covering water and locating schools.

What do White Crappie eat?

Opportunistic feeders with juveniles eating zooplankton and insects, while adults primarily consume small fish like minnows and young American shad, along with invertebrates like crayfish.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you White Crappie.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every White Crappie water

    Pick White Crappie and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch White Crappie

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where White Crappie are.

Open the map, filter by White Crappie, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Arizona licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Arizona waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.