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Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black Crappie are one of Nevada's panfish species, though they are not native to the state and are considered a nonnative transplant. They are schooling fish that form large groups near food sources and structure.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Black Crappie prefer freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-moving streams with little to no current, clear water, and abundant cover such as submerged timber, aquatic vegetation, fallen trees, docks, and brush piles over sandy to muddy bottoms.

Key Locations

  • They're found primarily in calm, sheltered areas of lakes such as Lahontan and Echo Canyon Reservoirs, with Lake Mead and Lake Mohave offering good opportunities particularly in backwaters and sheltered coves.
  • Key locations include the calm, sheltered coves and backwaters of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, along with Lahontan and Echo Canyon Reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on structure-oriented fishing around submerged timber, brush piles, fallen trees, docks, and aquatic vegetation in 10-20 feet of water during most seasons, moving to shallower areas during feeding times.
  • During winter, they move to deeper water.

Black Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include small live minnows (the most popular choice) and leadhead jigs with soft-plastic bodies in 1/64 to 1/16 ounce sizes. For jigs, use bright colors like chartreuse, white, and pink in stained water, and more natural colors in clear water. Small crankbaits in the 1-3 inch range.

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

The best time to fish for Black Crappie in Nevada is during spring and fall when they're actively feeding. During summer, target deeper, cooler water and fish during reduced light conditions. In winter, fish during the warmest part of the day (midday to early afternoon) in deeper water.

How do you catch Black Crappie in Nevada?

Popular techniques include slip-bobber rigs with live minnows, vertical jigging around structure, spider rigging with multiple rods, and trolling small crankbaits. Fish slowly with a steady retrieve, as crappie take time to inspect bait.

What do Black Crappie eat?

Adult Black Crappie feed primarily on small fish like minnows and shad, while smaller individuals up to 6.3 inches feed on planktonic crustaceans and free-swimming nocturnal larvae. They also consume insects, insect larvae, and crustaceans.

Where do Black Crappie live in Nevada?

Black Crappie prefer freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-moving streams with little to no current, clear water, and abundant cover such as submerged timber, aquatic vegetation, fallen trees, docks, and brush piles over sandy to muddy bottoms.

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