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Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black Crappie are a native freshwater species in Louisiana, commonly called sac-a-lait (French for "sack of milk"), white perch, or specks. These silvery fish average less than a pound but can reach 4-5 pounds and 15 inches.

They're found throughout Louisiana's freshwater systems.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Also known as sac-a-lait (French for "sack of milk"), white perch, specks

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery fish that average less than a pound but can reach 4-5 pounds and 15 inches.
  • Distinguished from white crappie by having seven to eight dorsal spines (versus five to six) and irregular black blotches rather than vertical bars.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Louisiana's freshwater systems including standing waterbodies and slow backwaters.

Key Locations

  • Toledo Bend Reservoir (especially the Chicken Coop area and Pendleton Bridge), Lake D'Arbonne, Poverty Point Reservoir, Caddo Lake, Lake Bistineau, Atchafalaya Basin, and numerous other lakes and rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Submerged timber, brush piles, cypress trees, aquatic vegetation, and cover.
  • Fish around structure, dropoffs and weed edges.
  • Target 10-12 feet of water around grass beds early in season, moving to shallow cover as temperatures warm.

Black Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/16 to 1/8 ounce jigs with soft plastics in chartreuse, white, monkey milk, electric chicken, and Cajun grasshopper colors. Bobby Garland Mo' Glo Slab Slay'R, Southern Pro Lit'l Hustler tubes, and Z-Man 2-inch GrubZ. Hair jigs in sexy shiner or orange tuxedo. Road Runner jigs with spinner blades.

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

Spring (March-May) provides the best fishing with peak action when water temperatures reach 68-72°F during pre-spawn and post-spawn periods. In summer, focus on deeper water and structure. Fall offers excellent fishing as fish feed heavily before winter.

How do you catch Black Crappie in Louisiana?

Use single jigs pitched to specific structure. Road Runner jigs with spinner blades work well for trolling along dropoffs and weed edges. Spider rigs with multiple poles for covering water. Hair jigs work well for sight fishing.

What do Black Crappie eat?

Diet shifts from zooplankton as juveniles to insects, crustaceans, and small fish like shad, minnows, crawfish, and freshwater shrimp as adults.

Where do Black Crappie live in Louisiana?

Found throughout Louisiana's freshwater systems including standing waterbodies and slow backwaters.

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