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White Crappie

White Crappie

White crappie are the most prevalent crappie species in Oklahoma, now found statewide in many lakes and rivers though originally stream fish.

They're more tolerant of turbid water than black crappie and generally outnumber them in murky conditions with little rooted vegetation.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished by distinct vertical bands of blue/gray spots on their silvery-olive bodies with white bellies, and have 5-6 dorsal fin spines compared to black crappie's 7-8.
  • Adults typically measure 9-10 inches and weigh between 0.5-1.5 pounds, with the state record reaching just under 5 pounds from a Kingfisher County farm pond.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, preferring areas with standing timber, brushy cover, and structures like boat docks, stumps, and brush piles.
  • In deeper lakes like Broken Bow and Tenkiller, they may suspend in mid-lake over standing timber.

Key Locations

  • Key Oklahoma waters include Lake Eufaula (called the 'Crappie Capital of the World'), Grand Lake, Hugo Lake, Broken Bow Lake, Pine Creek Lake, Kaw Lake, and Wister Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Fish rocky areas, gravel beds, hardwood logs, dam riprap, and boat docks.
  • Target areas with standing timber, brushy cover, and structures like boat docks, stumps, and brush piles.

White Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/16-1/8 ounce jigs with soft plastics like tubes (2-3 inch in chartreuse, white, blue, orange), curly tail grubs, swimbaits, and hair jigs. Small inline spinners (1/24-1/8 ounce) in chartreuse, pink, or orange work well, particularly Rooster Tails. Live minnows under bobbers remain highly effective year-round.

What flies work for White Crappie in Oklahoma?

Streamers like size 6 Clouser Deep Minnows in chartreuse and white under strike indicators.

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

Prime white crappie fishing occurs from late winter through early fall, with spring (March-May) being exceptional when fish stage in transition areas before spawning. Spawning occurs when water temperatures reach 55-65°F (typically March-May).

How do you catch White Crappie in Oklahoma?

Bobber jigging, vertical jigging around brush piles and standing timber, and casting to transition areas near spawning habitat. Use slip floats for suspended fish in deeper water.

What do White Crappie eat?

Their diet consists primarily of minnows, shad, crayfish, mollusks, and insects, with juveniles eating zooplankton before transitioning to small fish around 12-15 cm length.

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