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White Crappie

White Crappie

White crappie are native to Mississippi waters and thrive in reservoirs, oxbow lakes, rivers, and can tolerate muddier water better than black crappie.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis

Physical Characteristics:
  • White crappie in Mississippi are deep-bodied, silvery fish ranging from silvery-white on the belly to silvery-green or dark green on the back with possible blue reflections.
  • They're distinguished by several dark vertical bars on their sides and have 5-6 spines on the dorsal fin (versus 7-8 for black crappie).
  • These fish typically weigh 1-3 pounds and grow to 14 inches or more, living up to 10 years.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • White crappie are native to Mississippi waters and thrive in reservoirs, oxbow lakes, rivers, and can tolerate muddier water better than black crappie.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi features premier crappie waters including Enid Lake, Grenada Lake, Barnett Reservoir, Sardis Lake, Arkabutla Lake, and Lake Washington, collectively known as the Mississippi Crappie Trail.
  • Key locations include the spillways below dams, standing timber areas, and creek channels.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer deep water near drop-offs and areas of cover including logs, brush piles, cypress trees, stumps, and standing timber.
  • Target them in 6-20 feet of water around structure like submerged timber, brush piles, stumps, and cypress trees.

White Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Popular baits include jigs (1/16 to 1/32 ounce), small crankbaits, and live minnows. White crappie respond well to chartreuse and contrasting color combinations.

What flies work for White Crappie in Mississippi?

For fly fishing, use small streamers, mini-tubes, twister tails, and Maribou feather jigs.

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

Spring (March-May) offers the best white crappie fishing in Mississippi after spawning concludes, when fish are aggressive and feeding heavily. In summer, target deeper water (15-20 feet). Fall brings excellent action as fish feed aggressively before winter, concentrating around structure in 6-14 foot depths.

How do you catch White Crappie in Mississippi?

Effective techniques include casting jigs with slow, steady retrieves, vertical jigging around cover, and fishing small jigs under bobbers. In summer, use active sonar to locate suspended schools, then troll weighted jigs or pull small crankbaits.

What do White Crappie eat?

Adults feed primarily on small fish like minnows and young shad, plus insects and invertebrates. In Mississippi specifically, they feed on mayflies such as Hexagenia atrocaudata and Pentagenia vittigera.

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