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White Crappie

White Crappie

White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) in Oregon are a non-native freshwater panfish that have been successfully introduced throughout the state.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They are often confused with black crappie but can be distinguished by their silvery bodies with blackish-green mottling forming narrow vertical bars on the sides, and their more dished forehead.
  • White crappie have 5-6 dorsal spines (compared to 7-8 on black crappie) and are more elongated with larger, less upturned mouths.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Oregon's white crappie are found in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and large slow-moving rivers statewide.
  • They do best in larger lakes and reservoirs where they are more tolerant of turbidity and less dependent on aquatic vegetation than black crappie.

Key Locations

  • Notable populations in Brownlee Reservoir, Prineville Reservoir, Henry Hagg Lake, the Freeway Ponds near Albany, Ben Irving Reservoir, Fern Ridge Lake, and Junction City Pond.
  • Key locations include Brownlee Reservoir and Prineville Reservoir for premier crappie fishing, plus Henry Hagg Lake and the Freeway Ponds for consistent action.

Specific Spots

  • They congregate around structure including pilings, sunken logs, underwater brush, weed beds, rocks, and docks.
  • In early spring and fall they move into shallow ends of coves around structure in 6-15 feet of water.
  • During winter and summer, they retreat to deeper water along vertical structure like pilings or dams.

White Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Jigs should be small (some anglers use as light as 1/80 ounce) in popular colors including red and white, green and white, and chartreuse. Tip jig hooks with crappie 'nibbles' for added scent. Natural baits including crickets, grasshoppers, and worms on size 10-12 hooks are also highly effective.

What flies work for White Crappie in Oregon?

For fly fishing, small streamers, Clouser minnows, balanced leeches, and crappie-specific patterns work well.

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

Prime time during cool weather periods in early spring and fall. During winter and summer, they retreat to deeper water. During spawning (March to May depending on location and conditions), avoid targeting them as they are focused on reproduction rather than feeding.

How do you catch White Crappie in Oregon?

The most effective setup is a bobber and jig rig to prevent hang-ups, though experienced anglers fish jigs without bobbers. Begin fishing near cover and structure at different depths until you locate schools - once found, crappie can provide fast action as they travel in groups.

What do White Crappie eat?

Their diet begins with zooplankton as juveniles, transitioning to increasingly larger percentages of insects, invertebrates, and small fish (primarily minnows) as adults, making them more piscivorous than black crappie.

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