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Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black Crappie are abundant throughout Mississippi's freshwater systems, from the four flood control reservoirs in the northwest to countless lakes, rivers, and oxbows statewide.

These deep-bodied panfish prefer clearer waters with abundant aquatic vegetation compared to their white crappie cousins, and they're most abundant in the northern regions of reservoirs and in areas with good water clarity.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These deep-bodied panfish are distinguished by their 7-8 dorsal fin spines and irregular black spots scattered across their silvery-green bodies.
  • Adults typically weigh 1-3 pounds and can live up to 10 years.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Abundant throughout Mississippi's freshwater systems, from the four flood control reservoirs in the northwest to countless lakes, rivers, and oxbows statewide.
  • Most abundant in the northern regions of reservoirs and in areas with good water clarity.

Key Locations

  • Four flood control reservoirs in the northwest (Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid, and Grenada), Ross Barnett Reservoir, particularly in areas like Cane Creek, Oil Well Woods, and the upper reservoir between Highway 43 and Low Head Dam where black crappie concentrate.
  • Top Mississippi locations include Ross Barnett Reservoir's upper sections, the flood control reservoirs' creek arms and timber areas, and oxbow lakes throughout the Delta region.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with cover like submerged timber, brush piles, vegetation edges, and drop-offs near spawning areas.
  • Around vegetation, stumps, laydowns, and dock pilings.
  • Creek channels, old oxbow lakes, and deeper timber.

Black Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/16-ounce jigs with soft plastic bodies in colors like monkey milk, chartreuse combinations, or contrasting color combos, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce), tube jigs, soft plastics, small crankbaits, and live minnows. In Mississippi's stained waters, bright colors like chartreuse, white, and yellow work well.

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

The prime time for black crappie fishing in Mississippi is spring and fall when water temperatures are in the 50-75°F range, with 60-70°F being optimal. In spring, fish shallow cover in 2-8 feet of water. Summer fishing requires deeper presentations in 8-15 feet around structure.

How do you catch Black Crappie in Mississippi?

Popular techniques include casting small jigs, fishing minnows under bobbers, and vertical jigging with hair jigs. Summer fishing requires deeper presentations. Winter fishing requires slow presentations.

What do Black Crappie eat?

Consuming insects, insect larvae, small fish like sunfish and minnows, zooplankton, and crustaceans.

Where do Black Crappie live in Mississippi?

Abundant throughout Mississippi's freshwater systems, from the four flood control reservoirs in the northwest to countless lakes, rivers, and oxbows statewide. Most abundant in the northern regions of reservoirs and in areas with good water clarity.

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