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White Crappie

White Crappie

White Crappie are native to the eastern two-thirds of Texas but can now be found statewide except for the upper portions of the Rio Grande and Pecos drainages.

In Texas, crappie are the most popular panfish and rank third overall behind bass and catfish in angler preference.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished from black crappie by their 5-6 dorsal fin spines (versus 7-8 for black crappie) and dark vertical bars along their silvery bodies rather than scattered spots.
  • Males develop dark throat coloration during spawning season in spring.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • White crappie are most abundant in lakes and reservoirs larger than 5 acres, preferring areas with little current including pools and backwaters of rivers.

Key Locations

  • Top Texas waters include Lake Fork (27,264 acres near Quitman), Sam Rayburn Reservoir (114,500 acres), Toledo Bend (181,600 acres), Lake Conroe, Lake Limestone, Lake O' The Pines, and Lake Livingston.
  • North Texas lakes like Lake Arrowhead, Coffee Mill Lake, and White Rock Lake are also productive.
  • In central Texas, try Granger Lake and Lake Daniel.

Specific Spots

  • They're found in depths of 6-12 feet during the day around structure, moving to open water during mornings and evenings.
  • Fish early morning, late afternoon, and at night when crappie are most active, especially around lighted structures.

White Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include marabou jigs, tube jigs (1/8-inch tipped with crappie bites or live minnows), beetlespins, Crappie Magnets, and Bobby Garland Baby Shad. Live minnows on #2 Aberdeen hooks are extremely productive - use minimal weight to present baits above suspended schools.

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

Prime crappie fishing occurs during spring and fall transitions. White crappie are most active feeding from June through October, with moderate feeding in spring and reduced activity in winter.

How do you catch White Crappie in Texas?

Popular Texas techniques include spider rigging with 6-12 rods extended from the boat, slowly trolling at 1-2 mph while experimenting with different depths. During transitional periods, drop tube jigs into gaps and holes of weed beds where crappie hide under aquatic vegetation in 2-6 feet of water.

What do White Crappie eat?

Adults feed primarily on small fish like minnows and young American shad, plus large invertebrates such as crayfish. They also consume threadfin and gizzard shad, mayflies, and other small fish.

Where do White Crappie live in Texas?

White crappie are most abundant in lakes and reservoirs larger than 5 acres, preferring areas with little current including pools and backwaters of rivers.

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