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Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black crappies are found throughout South Dakota in warm and cool water habitats of ponds, lakes, and impoundments.

They are commonly managed in South Dakota's large natural lakes, impoundments, and urban waters, with several large natural lakes and impoundments specifically managed for black crappie populations.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Black Crappie in South Dakota are deep-bodied, laterally compressed fish with 7-8 hard spines on the dorsal fin, distinguished by their mottled black spots covering their backs and sides.
  • They average 9-10 inches in length but can exceed 3 pounds, with the state record being 3 pounds, 8 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Black crappies are found throughout South Dakota in warm and cool water habitats of ponds, lakes, and impoundments, preferring clearer, quieter water than white crappies and being less tolerant of turbidity.

Key Locations

  • South Dakota waters like Pactola Lake, various glacial lakes in the eastern part of the state, and many impoundments provide good black crappie fishing opportunities.

Specific Spots

  • They inhabit waters with aquatic vegetation and underwater structure such as logs, rocks, dead trees, and are commonly found in shaded areas under overhanging trees.
  • During summer heat, they move to deeper water.
  • Target areas with aquatic vegetation, underwater structure like brush piles, sunken trees, fallen logs, rocks, and areas under overhanging trees or docks.
  • Look for them around deep structure, humps, and transition areas.
  • Fish around boat docks, vegetation edges, and in tributary arms of lakes and reservoirs.

Black Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small jigs weighing 1/64 to 1/16 ounce work well, particularly 1/8-ounce, 1/16-ounce, or 1/32-ounce jigs with soft plastic bodies or tipped with minnows. Small live minnows are popular baits, and beetle-spin lures or small hard plastic lures can be effective.

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

Spring before spawning and fall when they prepare for winter are best. During winter, they move to deeper water and can be caught ice fishing. Spring fishing from shore is particularly productive as they move to shallow spawning areas.

How do you catch Black Crappie in South Dakota?

Effective techniques include still-fishing with worms or minnows under a bobber, or using deep, slow retrieves with small minnows, plugs, spoons, jigs, or spinners.

What do Black Crappie eat?

Black crappies feed on plankton, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and small fish, with adults eating small fish, crayfish, and tadpoles.

Where do Black Crappie live in South Dakota?

Black crappies are found throughout South Dakota in warm and cool water habitats of ponds, lakes, and impoundments, preferring clearer, quieter water than white crappies and being less tolerant of turbidity.

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