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Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black Crappie in Utah are found in numerous lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving streams throughout the state, though they are less abundant in the western portions including western Texas up through Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and western Montana.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Black Crappie can be distinguished from white crappie by counting dorsal fin spines - black crappie have 7-8 spines versus 6 for white crappie, and display irregular dark blotches rather than vertical bars.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer areas with little to no current, clear water, and abundant cover such as submerged timber, aquatic vegetation, brush piles, and structures like docks.

Key Locations

  • Bear River (Cache and Box Elder counties), Cutler Reservoir, Gunlock Reservoir, Lake Powell, Pineview Reservoir, Utah Lake, and Willard Bay.
  • At Lake Powell, focus on protected coves and creek arms with flooded brush.
  • At reservoirs like Pineview and Willard Bay.
  • Ice fishing at reservoirs like Willard Bay.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths of 3-12 feet during spring, moving to deeper water (15-25 feet) in summer heat.
  • Fish brush piles, submerged timber, dock pilings, and weed edges.
  • Target main lake points and shallow flats.
  • Fish in 15-30 feet of water during winter ice fishing.

Black Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/16 to 1/32 ounce jigheads tipped with soft plastics in chartreuse, white, or natural colors. Live minnows. Small tube jigs, curly tail grubs, and 1-2 inch crankbaits in shad patterns. Small jigs and minnow imitations.

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

The prime season for Black Crappie in Utah is spring during the pre-spawn period when water temperatures reach 51-60°F, as fish feed aggressively while preparing to spawn. Fall offers another excellent opportunity as crappie move shallow following baitfish.

How do you catch Black Crappie in Utah?

Effective techniques include vertical jigging with 1/16 to 1/32 ounce jigheads tipped with soft plastics. Live minnows under slip bobbers work excellently, especially around structure. Spider rigging with multiple poles allows covering more water when fish are scattered.

What do Black Crappie eat?

Black Crappie are schooling fish that feed primarily on small fish, insects, crustaceans, and zooplankton, with juveniles focusing more on plankton and microcrustaceans while adults become more piscivorous.

Where do Black Crappie live in Utah?

They prefer areas with little to no current, clear water, and abundant cover such as submerged timber, aquatic vegetation, brush piles, and structures like docks.

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